Why Windows 11 Opens Links in Edge (and How to Change It)

If every link you click in Windows 11 opens in Microsoft Edge, even when you have another browser set as your default, you’re not alone. This guide explains why Windows 11 keeps hijacking links and walks you through the settings you need to change to make links open in the browser you actually prefer.

What You’ll Need

Windows 11 PC with administrator access (for some steps)
The browser you want to use (Chrome, Firefox, etc.) installed
About 10 minutes of time

Step-by-Step

Check your current default browser. Open Settings (Win + I) → Apps → Default apps. Scroll down and find your preferred browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox). Click it and look at the file types listed. If any say “Microsoft Edge” or “Choose a default,” you need to change them.
Set your browser as default for all relevant types. In the same Default apps screen, click your browser’s name, then click each file type (like .html, .htm, HTTP, HTTPS) and select your browser from the pop-up. Do this for both HTTP and HTTPS at minimum.
Use the “Set default” button (if available). Some browsers (like Chrome) show a “Set default” button at the top of their Default apps page. Click it and confirm. This automatically changes all supported file types to that browser.
Disable Edge’s “startup boost” and background running. Open Edge → Settings (three dots) → System and performance. Turn off Startup boost and Continue running background extensions and apps when Microsoft Edge is closed. This stops Edge from re-registering itself as default in the background.
Check the “Open with” setting for specific apps. If links from Outlook, Teams, or other apps still open in Edge, go to Settings → Apps → Default apps → scroll to the specific app (e.g., Outlook) and see which browser it uses for “HTTP” and “HTTPS”. Change those to your preferred browser.
Use the browser’s own “make default” prompt. Open your preferred browser and look for a prompt or banner that says “Make default” or “Set as default.” Click it, and Windows will take you to the Default apps page where you can confirm.
If links still open in Edge, check the “Edge” protocol handler. In Default apps, search for “Edge” and click it. Look for entries like MICROSOFT-EDGE- or HTTPS. If any are set to Edge, change them to your browser. (Note: Some Windows features intentionally use Edge; you may not be able to change all of them.)
Restart your PC. After making changes, restart Windows to ensure all settings apply cleanly.

Common Mistakes

Only changing the default browser in the browser’s settings. Windows 11 requires you to change the default in the OS settings, not just in the browser’s preferences.
Forgetting to change both HTTP and HTTPS. If you only change one, some links will still open in Edge.
Not disabling Edge’s startup boost. Even after you change defaults, Edge can re-register itself as default when it runs in the background.
Assuming “Default apps” is enough for every link type. Some apps (like Teams or Outlook) have their own link handling that you need to adjust separately.
Changing only the file type .html. Links are not files; they use the HTTP/HTTPS protocol, so you must change those too.

Tips

Use the “Set default” button in your browser’s settings. It’s the fastest way to change everything at once.
Keep Edge installed. Windows 11 uses Edge for some system functions (like PDFs in some apps). You don’t need to uninstall it; just change the default for links.
Check for updates. Windows updates sometimes reset defaults. After a major update, re-check your default browser settings.
Use a tool like “SetDefaultBrowser” (third-party) if you want a one-click fix. But be cautious: only download from reputable sources.
If you use a corporate PC, group policy may force Edge. In that case, you’ll need to contact your IT admin.

Troubleshooting

Links still open in Edge after following all steps. Try the following:

Restart your PC again—some changes require a full reboot.
Check if you have any third-party “browser manager” apps that might override settings.
Run the built-in “Default apps” troubleshooter: Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters → Default apps.
If you use a portable browser (like a USB version), Windows may not recognize it as a default option. Install it properly.
If you have a “browser hijacker” extension or malware, run Windows Security scan.

Edge keeps resetting to default after a reboot. This is often caused by Edge’s startup boost. Make sure you turned it off (Step 4). Also, check if you have any scheduled tasks that launch Edge—look in Task Scheduler for anything related to Edge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Windows 11 force Edge for links even after I change defaults?
Windows 11 uses Edge for many system-level functions, and some apps (like the Start menu search or News widgets) are hardcoded to open links in Edge. You can change the default browser for general web links, but some system components will still use Edge.

Can I completely remove Edge from Windows 11?
No, Edge is an integral part of Windows 11 and cannot be uninstalled through normal means. You can disable it, but it’s not recommended as it may break system features.

Why does Edge open when I click a link in a PDF or a document?
PDF documents often use the HTTP/HTTPS handler for links. If your default browser is set correctly, it should open those links in your chosen browser. If not, check the default apps for the PDF reader you use.

Does changing the default browser affect Windows updates?
No, changing your default browser does not affect Windows updates. However, after a major feature update, Windows may reset your defaults to Edge. You’ll need to change them again.

Why does Edge open when I click a link in the Start menu search results?
Search results in the Start menu are served by Bing and are intentionally opened in Edge. This is a design choice by Microsoft; there is no official way to change it.

Is there a way to make Windows stop asking me to use Edge?
Yes, you can dismiss the “Switch to Edge” prompts by clicking “Not now” or “Don’t ask again” when they appear. Also, turning off Edge’s startup boost reduces the frequency of these prompts.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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