How to change the default browser and search engine on Windows
Many factors, including speed, appearance, ease of use, privacy and customization options can determine your choice of search engine. Some people stick to the default search engine included with their browsers. But it would be best if you took the time to choose a search engine that works best for you.
You may want to put privacy ahead of everything else, or you’ll pick the one with the best search filters. We’ve rounded up four options to get you started. Tap or click here to check out our comparison between Google, Startpage, DuckDuckGo and Bing.
Windows 11 launched in 2021 and along with it came a new version of Edge, with the Bing search engine set by default. It’s the same case for Windows 10. If you want to change either of these default options, we’re here to help.
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Changing your default browser
Microsoft recently ended support for Internet Explorer. If you’ve ever tried removing the browser from your computer, you know it’s not easy.
While you can disable the browser, the files remain on your computer. Deleting these files could cause problems, as the browser is tied to other Windows processes. There are workarounds for this, but you would be taking a chance.
RELATED: New tips and tricks for Windows 11
The same case goes for Edge. You can switch the default browser to a different one, but you shouldn’t uninstall it. Microsoft doesn’t want you to mess with Edge, and the process to change it is not so straightforward, but it can be done through Windows.
To change your default browser in Windows 11:
- Go to Settings > Apps > Default apps.
- Scroll down to your preferred browser or type its name in the search field.
- Select your preferred browser and scroll down to a list of browser files (HTTP, HTTPS.).
- Click the name of the current default browser for HTTPS and change it to your chosen browser and click OK.
- Do the same for each specific file type: HTTP, HTTPS .htm, .html.
- If you get a Before you switch popup, just click Switch anyway.
- You must change the assigned browser for every specific file type.
To change your default browser in Windows 10:
Save space on your computer by disabling these 7 Windows 10 features
Your computer doesn’t come out of the box perfectly optimized. There are a few built-in features that might even slow your system down. Some exist to help you, like Windows 10’s Power saver plan.
This feature lowers your PC’s performance to save energy. If you don’t like it, change it by heading to Control Panel and clicking Hardware and Sound. Click Power Options > Show additional plans > High performance.
Chrome now uses less memory and improves battery life
Chrome 110 was released just last week, adding security upgrades that improve Google Password Manager while adding the ability to use biometrics to confirm your identity for auto-fills. Here’s everything you need to know.
Tech Tip: Set your browser to start fresh or reopen your tabs on startup
High-speed internet makes everything better. You can stream to your heart’s content or open 20 tabs when researching a new recipe to try out.
You may be paying for fast service, but your internet speeds rely on more than just bandwidth. Your browsing habits and the health of your computer also impact how fast your system works. Tap or click here for five ways to speed up a slow browser.
Bad news if you use DuckDuckGo - It's not quite as private as we thought
There are plenty of browsers and search engines out there that aren’t from Google. Tap or click here for our search engine comparison. Most people know that browsers and search engines can track your online activity.
How to change the default browser and search engine on Mac
Every computer comes with a default browser. It usually comes from a Big Tech company, and it’s not necessarily the best choice for everyone. You may want a browser with better privacy features or more customization options.
Update your PC! Patch Tuesday fixes nearly 50 software issues
If you don’t know by now, the second Tuesday of every month has officially become known as Patch Tuesday. Most software developers chose this day to release security patches and firmware updates. Tap or click here for seven free alternatives to Microsoft Word.
How to change the default browser and email app on your iPhone
One reason so many people choose Android devices over Apple is the flexibility that comes with them. Apple has been strict over the years about where you can download apps from and which programs you’re allowed to set as the default.
Android already has these new iPhone features - here's how to use them
Poor Android. It seems like Apple is always stealing the spotlight from its open-source competitor with new product roll-outs, updates and iOS releases.
That issue was pretty evident over the past couple of weeks. All you have to do is look at the buzz surrounding Apple’s annual launch event and its release of iOS 14 for proof. Part of the excitement stemmed from all of the new features that came with iOS 14, which include a new Translation app and Memojis.