Default Browser Keeps Changing in the background

Topic

I use Google Chrome as my default browser. Recently, my system changed my default browser from Chrome to Edge. I changed it back, and the next day, when I powered up my computer, it was back to Edge. It appears that every time I set the default to Chrome, the next power-up, the system changes it. Also, my default PDF reader, Adobe Acrobat, gets changed to Edge as well. Do you have any suggestions on how to stop the back-and-forth fighting?

Replies

@wadeer –

What version of which operating system are you experiencing the symptoms on? Please include the build number out to the last four digits, for example 19112.3946. That number I just typed is only an example and not an actual build number (past or present) of any version of Windows to the best of my knowledge.

To be more specific, Windows 10 or 11, 22H2, 23H2, or 24H2 and whether you have the Pro or Home edition of Windows.

Windows 11 Home

23H2

Installed on 11-13-2023

Build 22631.4460

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Bob99

You need to prevent Edge from auto-starting/always running in the background (which is what’s causing Windows to revert back to Edge as its default browser.)

Edge > Settings > System disable Startup Boost and Continue running background extensions and apps when Microsoft Edge is closed

Then set Edge to always download instead of opening PDF documents (which will allow Acrobat to open them instead.)

Edge > Settings > Cookies and site permissions > All permissions > PDF documents turn ON Always download PDF files and turn OFF PDF view settings.

Close Edge.

Now set the Windows default browser as Chrome (which will “override” the individual browsers’ settings.)

Windows > Settings > Apps > Default Apps scroll down the list of apps and select Google Chrome.

In the Make Google Chrome your default browser at the top click Set Default.

Reset Windows

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RVAUser

Thank you everyone for your responses. I incorporated your suggestions except for the Startup of Edge, I had that already shutoff.

Chrome, Opera, Vivaldi, Waterfox and Wavebox join hands to fight against Microsoft Edge

..changing the default browser in Windows 11 is a bit confusing. One would assume that setting an app as the default would make it the go-to app for handling all web protocols, but it’s not that simple, you have to change it for each type…

A while ago I found a simple solution. I installed a program by a company named Sordum, Edge Blocker, and it does just that. I’ve never had a problem with Edge since. Per the web site, “you can block or unblock the Edge browser, very simple GUI so no super skills are required to work with it. once you’ve blocked the browser, it won’t load.”

It can be found at: https://www.sordum.org/9312/edge-blocker-v2-0/

 

 

 

 

 

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RVAUser

Thank you for your response. I downloaded Edge Blocker and installed it. I am very hopeful that this does the trick. So far all the other suggestions, that are very appreciated, have not worked. Everytime I boot my laptop I have to go through and change the default apps.

I really appreciate people taking the time to respond with their suggestions. But so far nothing has worked. I did install Edge Blocker but when a do a cold boot everything that I had changed in the default apps reverts back to Edge taking over. It’s to the point now when I click on a hyperlink nothing happens because Edge is blocked. So I have to copy and paste into Chrome. I am totally up to date on my patches except for the 2024 update which I haven’t been offered yet. I can’t believe that I’m the only one suffering this dilemma.

What is your default browser setting in Edge – settings – default browser ?

Instead of Edge Blocker install MSEdgeRedirect

You may also want to try Wedge.

This seems to have worked for some people with the same problem

https://support.google.com/chrome/thread/255281808/chrome-is-my-default-browser-yet-when-i-open-a-link-it-defaults-to-edge

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RVAUser

THANK YOU!  I had tried all the previous fixes and none worked.  Did not know (until I read that thread) that Outlook has a “Default browser” buried deep in its settings that will override any other fixes you make anywhere else.

I really appreciate everyone who took the time to respond and make suggestions. I went through each response and tried the suggestions. None of them worked. I assume that the software has evolved since you have eliminated this problem. It no longer responds to any of the suggestions made. Each time I download and install then run the software to eliminate this beast it gives me a message that it failed.

Case closed I found an old piece of software called JV16 that worked. Thanks everyone for your suggestions.

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Toa Of Justice