Reasons for Setting 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. Setting the default browser is something that many users have trouble with.
Methods for Setting the Default Browser
The methods for setting the default browser vary across browsers, operating systems, and device types. The following step-by-step tutorials walk you through the process of setting the default browser in many popular configurations.
Setting the Default Browser to Internet Explorer 9
(Photo © Microsoft Corporation)
Setting the default browser to Internet Explorer 9 is a fairly simple and quick process, achieved through IE's Internet Options interface. By setting 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.
Setting the Default Browser to Other Versions of IE
Setting the Default Browser to Firefox 4
(Photo © Mozilla)
Setting the default browser to Firefox 4 for Windows can be accomplished via the Advanced tab of the Firefox Options window. After setting 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.
Setting the Default Browser to Other Versions of Firefox
Setting the Default Browser to Firefox 3.6 for Windows
Setting the Default Browser to Firefox 3.6 for OS X
Setting the Default Browser to Firefox 3.5 for Windows
Setting the Default Browser to Firefox 3.5 for OS X
Setting the Default Browser to Safari 5
(Photo © Apple Inc.)
Windows users intent on setting 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.
Setting the Default Browser to Other Versions of Safari
Setting the Default Browser to Safari 4 for Windows
Setting the Default Browser to Safari 4 for OS X
Setting the Default Browser to Chrome
(Photo © Google)
The Basics tab in Chrome's Options dialog makes setting the default browser in Windows a breeze. By simply following our step-by-step tutorial on setting the default browser to Chrome, you'll have Google's application set as your default option in no time.
Setting the Default Browser to Other Versions of Chrome
Setting the Default Browser to Flock 2.x
(Photo © Flock, Inc.)
Flock 2.x for Windows allows users interested in setting the default browser to do so within its Advanced Options feature set. Setting 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.
