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How to Make IE11 the Default Browser in Windows

Automatically open web files and links in Internet Explorer

By Scott Orgera Scott Orgera Writer Scott Orgera is a former Lifewire writer covering tech since 2007. He has 25+ years' experience as a programmer and QA leader, and holds several Microsoft certifications including MCSE, MCP+I, and MOUS. He is also A+ certified. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on June 15, 2022 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Browsers Chrome Safari Firefox Microsoft

What to Know

In Windows 10: In the Windows Start Menu search bar, enter Default apps, then select Default apps in the search results.In the Default apps window, go to the Web browser section and click the current browser. Select Internet Explorer to reset the default.In Windows 8 and 7: IE is the default browser. To reset it, open IE and go to Settings (gear) > Default web browser > Make default. This article explains how to make Internet Explorer 11 your default web browser in Windows if you prefer it to Microsoft Edge. Microsoft no longer supports Internet Explorer and recommends that you update to the newer Edge browser. Head to their site to download the newest version.

How to Set IE as the Default Browser in Windows 10

Although Microsoft Edge is the preferred web browser for Windows 10, you can still set Internet Explorer as your default browser. In the Windows Start Menu search bar, enter Default apps, then select Default apps in the search results. In the Default apps window, go to the Web browser section and select the current browser. Select Internet Explorer. To configure IE 11 to open only certain file types, select Choose default apps by file type at the bottom of the Default apps window.

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Close the settings window. Your default browser is set as Internet Explorer 11.

How to Make Internet Explorer the Default Browser for Windows 8 and 7

Internet Explorer is the default browser for Windows 8 and Windows 7. However, if you changed it to something else, here's how to change it back: Select the Settings Gear in the upper-right corner of IE 11 and choose Internet options from the drop-down menu. Select the Programs tab. In the Default web browser section, select Make default. Select OK to close the dialog box. Internet Explorer is set as your computer's default web browser. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Uninstall or Remove Internet Explorer What Is Microsoft Internet Explorer? How to Open Internet Explorer 11 in Windows 10 Adding Favorites to Internet Explorer 11 How to Use ActiveX Filtering in Internet Explorer 11 How to Update Internet Explorer (Most Recent: IE11) How to Change the Default Browser in Windows How to Activate InPrivate Browsing Mode in IE How to Clear the Cache in IE11 Manage Browsing History and Other Private Data in IE11 How to Change the Default Browser in Thunderbird How to View the Tool Menu in Internet Explorer 11 Allow or Deny Access to Your Physical Location Settings How to Turn on Incognito Mode in Your Browser When Is Internet Explorer End of Life? How to Manage AutoComplete in Internet Explorer 11 Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies