How to Change the Browser That Opens When Performing Internet Searches

Introduction

The internet has become an integral part of our lives, and we rely heavily on web browsers to access the vast amount of information available on the World Wide Web. Windows 10 has a search bar that allows users to perform internet searches directly from the desktop. However, some users may find that the default browser that opens when performing internet searches is not their preferred choice. In this blog post, we will explore how to change the browser that opens when performing internet searches through the Win 10 search bar.

Method 1: Changing Default Browser in “Language-Default Apps”

The first method to change the default browser is through the “Language-Default Apps” settings. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Click on the Start menu and select “Settings.”
2. Select “Apps.”
3. From the left-hand menu, select “Default apps.”
4. Scroll down to the “Web browser” section and click on the current default browser.
5. Select your preferred browser from the list of available options.

After following these steps, your preferred browser should be set as the default browser. However, in some cases, this method may not work, and Windows may still use the Edge browser.

Method 2: Set Defaults by App

The second method to change the default browser is through the “Set defaults by app” settings. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Click on the Start menu and select “Settings.”
2. Select “Apps.”
3. From the left-hand menu, select “Default apps.”
4. Scroll down to the “Set defaults by app” section and click on the browser you want to set as the default.
5. Click on “Set this program as default.”

After following these steps, your preferred browser should be set as the default browser. If this method does not work, you may need to try the next method.

Method 3: Use the Old Control Panel to Set the Default Browser

The third method to change the default browser is by using the old control panel. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Click on the Start menu and type “Control Panel” in the search bar.
2. Select “Control Panel” from the search results.
3. Click on “Programs.”
4. Click on “Default Programs.”
5. Click on “Set your default programs.”
6. Select your preferred browser from the list of available programs.
7. Click on “Set this program as default.”

After following these steps, your preferred browser should be set as the default browser. However, if this method does not work, you may need to try the next method.

Method 4: Try a Different Browser

The fourth method to change the default browser is to try a different browser. In some cases, the issue may be specific to the browser you are trying to use. For example, if you are trying to use Vivaldi, which is based on Chrome, you may encounter the same problem as with Firefox. In such cases, you can try a different browser, such as Google Chrome or Opera, to see if the issue persists.

Method 5: Reset the Default Browser Settings

The fifth method to change the default browser is to reset the default browser settings. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Click on the Start menu and select “Settings.”
2. Select “Apps.”
3. From the left-hand menu, select “Default apps.”
4. Scroll down to the “Web browser” section and click on the current default browser.
5. Click on “Reset.”

After following these steps, the default browser settings will be reset to their original state. You can then try setting your preferred browser as the default browser again using one of the methods mentioned above.

Method 6: Use Third-Party Tools

The final method to change the default browser is to use third-party tools. There are several third-party tools available that can help you set your preferred browser as the default browser. One such tool is “Default Browser” by “Krzysztof Kowalczyk.” This tool is free to download and use and can be downloaded from the author’s website.

Conclusion

In conclusion, changing the default browser that opens when performing internet searches through the Win 10 search bar can be a frustrating experience. However, by following the methods outlined in this blog post, you should be able to set your preferred browser as the default browser. If you encounter any issues, you can always try using a different browser or using third-party tools to help you set the default browser.

It appears that this task cannot be accomplished using built-in Windows features, but there is an alternative solution using Edge Deflector, which will compel Windows to utilize the designated default browser for all links that are programmed to open in Edge. In addition to this, we can utilize a browser extension, such as Chrometana, to redirect Bing searches to a preferred search engine.

Github: EdgeDeflector

EdgeDeflector is a small helper application that intercepts URIs that
force-open web links in Microsoft Edge and redirects it to the
system’s default web browser. This allows you to use Windows features
like the Cortana assistant and built-in help links with the browser of
your choice instead of being forced to use Microsoft Edge. With
EdgeDeflector, you’re free to use Firefox, Google Chrome, or whatever
your favorite web browser might be!

Chrome Plugin: Chrometana

Redirect all Bing (and therefore Cortana) searches to a search engine
of your choice!