Reasons for Changing the Default Browser
In Windows and OS X, your default browser is the program that is launched whenever you open an HTML file, a shortcut that points to a Web address, or click on a link embedded in the body of an email. All browsers provide the ability to configure themselves as the operating system's default, ensuring that your favorite option will launch in any of the aforementioned scenarios. Changing the default browser is something that many users have trouble with.
Methods for Changing the Default Browser
The methods for changing the default browser vary across browsers, operating systems, and device types. The following step-by-step tutorials walk you through the process of changing the default browser in many popular configurations.
Changing the Default Browser to Internet Explorer 9
(Photo © Microsoft Corporation)
Changing the default browser to Internet Explorer 9 is a fairly simple and quick process, achieved through IE's Internet Options interface. By changing the default browser to IE9, you can be sure that it will launch each and every time a Web browser is needed in Windows. This graphical tutorial steps you through the procedure.
Changing the Default Browser to Other Versions of IE
Changing the Default Browser to Firefox 4
(Photo © Mozilla)
Changing the default browser to Firefox 4 for Windows can be accomplished via the Advanced tab of the Firefox Options window. After changing the default browser to Firefox 4, it will be launched each and every time your operating system is prompted to launch a browser. Our step-by-step tutorial explains the process in detail.
Changing the Default Browser to Other Versions of Firefox
Changing the Default Browser to Firefox 3.6 for Windows
Changing the Default Browser to Firefox 3.6 for OS X
Changing the Default Browser to Firefox 3.5 for Windows
Changing the Default Browser to Firefox 3.5 for OS X
Changing the Default Browser to Safari 5
(Photo © Apple Inc.)
Windows users intent on changing the default browser to Safari 5 need to modify the application's preferences. This can be realized in a couple of short minutes by following our brief tutorial.
Changing the Default Browser to Other Versions of Safari
Changing the Default Browser to Safari 4 for Windows
Changing the Default Browser to Safari 4 for OS X
Changing the Default Browser to Chrome
(Photo © Google)
The Basics tab in Chrome's Options dialog makes changing the default browser in Windows a breeze. By simply following our step-by-step tutorial on changing the default browser to Chrome, you'll have Google's application set as your default option in no time.
Changing the Default Browser to Other Versions of Chrome
Changing the Default Browser to Flock 2.x
(Photo © Flock, Inc.)
Flock 2.x for Windows allows users interested in changing the default browser to do so within its Advanced Options feature set. Changing the default browser to Flock instructs the Windows operating system to open the social-centric application each time a browser is needed. This walkthrough teaches how it's done in just a few easy steps.
