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How to Change Your Default Browser

Posted on August 31st, 2009 by Marck
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Not all people have the same preferences when it comes to Internet browsers.  Some may prefer one with all sorts of useful functions, while some want to keep their browsers as light and as easy to manage as possible.  Here are some ways to change your default browser in Microsoft Windows.

Why Change Your Default Browser?

Microsoft Windows comes with Internet Explorer as the default browser.  While many people do manage working with Internet Explorer, some would rather prefer third-party browsers to maximize their Internet usage.  Here are some other reasons why you may want to change your default browser:

  • Reliability. Not all systems are built in the same way, and some browsers may be faster in other computers compared to others.  For many offices and businesses, a stable, fast, reliable browser is needed to keep operations running as smoothly as possible.
  • Personal preference. Not everyone has the same choice when it comes to Internet browsers.  While all browsers accomplish the same task of providing a solid interface to access the Web, some people may prefer a more customizable approach to Web interfaces that are not offered by other browsers.

Changing the Browser

The four most popular browsers on the market (Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Opera, and Google Chrome) typically provide a prompt by which you can set them as your default browser.  Here are some ways to manually change them:

Internet Explorer

Despite all the negative press about Internet Explorer, it is a solid and stable browser that is very friendly for beginners and Internet enthusiasts.  Follow these steps to make Internet Explorer your default browser:

  1. Launch Internet Explorer, and click “Tools” then “Internet Options” on the menu bar.
  2. Click on the “Programs” tab on the dialog box.
  3. Check the box labeled, “Internet Explorer should check to see whether it is the default browser.”
  4. Click OK.
  5. Restart Internet Explorer, and click “OK” when the dialog box prompts you to ask if Internet Explorer should be your default browser.

Mozilla Firefox

Mozilla Firefox is popular for its customizability, its wide support network, and that it’s relatively light on system resources. Follow these steps to make Firefox your default browser:

  1. Launch Mozilla Firefox, go to “Tools” in the menu bar, and click “Options.”
  2. Go to the “Advanced” tab on the ribbon.
  3. Select the option for Firefox to check if it’s the default browser.
  4. Save all changes and restart Mozilla Firefox.

Opera

Opera is very popular because it is a one-stop center for downloads, FTP, database tasks, and other useful things that webmasters may need to run for sites.    Here are the steps to make Opera your default browser:

  1. Launch Opera, and press Ctrl+F12 to access the “Preferences” dialog box.
  2. Go to “Advanced,” then click “Programs.”
  3. Select the option for checking if Opera is the default browsing program during start-up.
  4. Save all changes and relaunch Opera.

Google Chrome

Chrome is one of the newest and most popular browsers available today because it is light and easy to use.  Here’s how you can make Chrome your default browser:

  1. Launch Google Chrome.
  2. Click the Wrench icon on the upper right-hand side of the window, and click “Options.”
  3. Click on the “Basics” tab, and select the option for making Chrome your default browser.
  4. Save all changes.

Your default browser can have significant changes in the way you browse and access the many resources available on the Internet.  With these tips, you can change your default browser into the one you most prefer. If you enjoy learning from this article, you’ll surely learn more from reading the Tips for secure Internet browsing.

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