How to Open a Desktop Internet Shortcut With a Different Browser

Set your default browser to Firefox or Internet Explorer.

A desktop shortcut is represented by a small icon. If the shortcut is for a specific website, when you click on it, the browser will automatically open and take you to the site. A person can have several different Web browsers installed on a computer. The browser that is set as your default browser will open when you click on the icon. Changing your default browser will also change the browser that opens the Internet shortcut.

Instructions

Setting Mozilla Firefox as the Default Browser

1. Open Firefox.

2. Click "Tools."

3. Click "Options."

4. Go the "Advanced" tab.

5. Go down to "System Defaults." Click on the button next to "always check to see if Firefox is the default browser on startup," labeled "Check Now." When the window pops up asking you if you want Firefox to be your default browser click "Yes." After that, each time you click a shortcut, Firefox will open as the default browser.

Internet Explorer

1. Open Internet Explorer.

2. Go to the toolbar at the top of the browser and click "Tools."

3. Click "Internet Options."

4. Click on the "Programs" tab.

5. Click "Make Default" in the default Web browser section and click "OK." When you click on a desktop shortcut, Internet Explorer will open instead of Firefox.

References

• Mozilla Zine: Default Browser
• Mozilla: Options Window
• Windows: Change Your Default Browser