How to Switch Microsoft Edge to Google Chrome on Windows 11 with Ease

Swapping from Edge to Chrome on Windows 11 (It’s Easier Than You Think)

Looking to replace Microsoft Edge with Google Chrome on Windows 11? It’s simpler than it sounds, honestly. The key steps are just confirming Chrome’s installed and arranging a few settings so links open in Chrome by default. Once you get the hang of it, it’s as easy as clicking a button — almost like making things just work automatically.

Check if Chrome is Installed

First up, you’ll want to see if Chrome is already on your PC. If not, head over to the Chrome download page and grab the latest version. Installing it is straightforward: just follow the prompts. And don’t forget to keep Chrome updated — it’s crucial for your safety and browsing speed. Open Chrome, click the three dots in the top right corner, go to Help, then About Google Chrome. It will automatically check for updates — no fuss needed.

Getting Into Settings

Once Chrome is installed, it’s time to set it as your default browser. Launch the Settings app by clicking the gear icon or pressing Windows key + I. Then, navigate to the menus to find the default apps section.

Locating Default Apps

Within Settings, select Apps. There, look for Default apps. This is where the magic happens. For quicker access, you can type “Default apps” into the search bar at the top. Handy, right?

Designating Chrome as Your Default Browser

Scroll down to the web browser section, or type ‘Chrome’ into the search bar. Click on the current default (probably Edge), and select Chrome from the list. You can also fine-tune which types of files or protocols open in Chrome — like .html. From now on, links from emails or documents will open in Chrome, and Edge will step aside.

This change applies system-wide, so any link you click will open in Chrome. Perfect for those who prefer Chrome’s features or extensions, that’s for sure.

Tips for a Smoother Chrome Setup

Switching browsers is straightforward, but a few extra steps can smooth the process. For example, keeping both browsers up-to-date prevents headaches later on. It’s also a good idea to export your bookmarks from Edge beforehand—trust me, it makes transitioning much easier. Go to Settings > Profiles > Import browser data in Edge to save them before you switch.

Once Chrome is your main browser, spend a few minutes exploring the settings. Press Alt + E or click the three dots, then pick Settings. If you use Chrome across multiple devices, turning on sync is a lifesaver for keeping favourites, passwords, history, and other info consistent. Head to Settings > You and Google > Sync and Google services to set it up.

Before wrapping up, open a random link to double-check that everything’s set up correctly. Fingers crossed, it’ll all run smoothly in Chrome from now on.

Common Questions

Can I switch back to Edge if I want?

Absolutely. Just return to the default apps settings and change your browser back to Microsoft Edge whenever you feel like it. It’s dead simple.

What about my saved passwords?

No worries — switching browsers won’t delete your passwords stored in Edge. To bring your passwords into Chrome, go to Chrome Settings > Autofill > Passwords. You can also import them directly by visiting Settings > Autofill > Passwords > Import. Just make sure to enable the import feature first by visiting chrome://flags and turning it on.

Is Chrome faster than Edge?

It depends. Both browsers are built for speed, but if you’re a heavy extension user, Chrome might have a slight edge — no pun intended. Performance can vary depending on your setup, so it’s worth trying both out.

Will this mess with other Microsoft apps?

Nope. Your Microsoft apps will keep working just fine. The change is purely about which browser opens links by default — no other functions are affected.

Should I just ditch Edge altogether?

Not quite. Windows integrates Edge deeply into the system, so you can’t uninstall it completely. Switching your default browser to Chrome just means that’s the browser your links open in — Edge remains part of Windows in the background.

All up, switching browsers is a manageable process and definitely worth it if you prefer Chrome’s features. Once you get everything set up, Chrome will be your go-to for browsing on Windows 11. Just remember to keep things updated and spend some time familiarising yourself with the settings — you’ll get the most out of it. Hopefully, this saves you a couple of frustrating hours along the way.

Check if Chrome is installed (download here).
Open Settings with Windows key + I.
Go to Apps, then Default apps.
Search for Chrome and set it as your default browser.
Consider exporting bookmarks from Edge first to make the switch smoother.