How to Change Your Browser

Choose the browser you want to use.

Internet Explorer is the default web browser on Microsoft Windows computers. However, you can change your default browser to another program, such as Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome. When this is changed and you click a web page hyperlink or need to connect to the Internet, the preferred browser will open. If you inadvertently changed the default browser during a download, it also can be changed back to Internet Explorer.

Instructions

Change Your Default Browser in XP

1. Click the "Start" button. Select "Control Panel."

2. Double-click "Add or Remove Programs."

3. Click "Set Program Access and Defaults" in the left pane of the "Add or Remove Programs" window.

4. Click the "Custom" button.

5. Select the web browser you want to make the default in the "Choose a Default Web Browser" section and click "OK."

Change Your Default Browser in Vista or 7

1. Click "Start." Select "Default Programs" on the right side of the "Start Menu."

2. Click "Set Program Access and Computer Defaults." Enter your password or click "Yes" if prompted by the User Account Control.

3. Click the arrow to the right of "Custom."

4. Select the web browser you want to make the default in the "Choose a Default Web Browser" section and click "OK."

References

• Win XP Tutor: Set Internet Explorer as the Default Browser in Windows XP
• Windows Vista: Change Default Programs Using Set Program Access and Computer Defaults
• Windows 7: Change Default Programs Using Set Program Access and Computer Defaults