How to Set Firefox as Default Browser on Windows 11

This post shows students and new users how to install and make Firefox their default web browser on Windows 11.

Mozilla Firefox used to be the favorite web browser for almost half the users worldwide. Now, there are still a few who would rather use Firefox than Chrome or Edge.

Firefox is a privacy-focused web browser that uses the Gecko rendering engine to display web pages instead of Chromium, which Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge use.

The default web browser in Windows 11 is the new Microsoft Edge browser. Most people might not realize that the new Edge is better and more useful than the old one and may not be open to using it. Instead, they are switching to Firefox to make it their default browser.

If you’re a student or new user looking for a Windows computer, the easiest place to start is Windows 11. Windows 11 is a major release of the Windows NT operating system developed by Microsoft. Windows 11 is the successor to Windows 10 and was released on October 5, 2021.

Set Firefox as the default web browser on Windows 11

The new Microsoft Edge is the default browser in Windows 11. Follow the steps below to configure Firefox as default, and always use it as your preferred browser.

This post assumes that Firefox is already installed on your computer. If not, go and download Firefox using the link below.

Download Firefox Browser — Fast, Private & Free

Once downloaded, install it and continue below to make it your default web browser on Windows 11.

Windows 11 has a centralized location for the majority of its settings. Everything can be done, from system configurations to creating new users and updating Windows from its System Settings pane.

To get to System Settings, you can use the Windows key + I shortcut or click on Start ==> Settings, as shown in the image below:

Alternatively, you can use the search box on the taskbar and search for Settings. Then select to open it.

Windows Settings pane should look similar to the image below. In Windows Settings, click Apps and select Default Apps on the right pane of your screen, as shown in the image below.

When the default app settings open, use the search box and type Edge to search for the default app for applications.

Microsoft Edge will appear in the result below. Click on Microsoft Edge.

The next page will list all the default file types and link types for which Edge is the default. Simply select each type and switch from Edge to Firefox.

When you select Microsoft Edge, a pop-out window will prompt you to check out Edge before switching. If you still want to switch, click Switch anyway.

Choose Firefox as the default for each file type, then click OK to confirm and switch.

Sometimes, when you select a file extension, you won’t see Firefox to switch to. Click on the More app link to show hidden Firefox.

When you’re done, each file type should be switched to Firefox.

That should be it! Firefox should now be the default web browser for Windows 11.

Conclusion:

• Installing Firefox as your default web browser in Windows 11 enhances your browsing experience with increased privacy and customization options.
• Users can easily switch from Microsoft Edge to Firefox by following the straightforward steps outlined.
• Regular updates and a strong community support Firefox as a reliable choice for internet users seeking alternatives to mainstream browsers.
• With Firefox set as default, you can enjoy faster browsing and access to various extensions that enhance functionality.