Clicking a link and having it open in Microsoft Edge instead of Google Chrome—even after setting Chrome as the default browser—disrupts workflow and wastes time. This persistent issue on Windows 11 often stems from file association errors, stubborn system defaults, or application-specific settings that override user preferences.

Set Chrome as Default Browser Using Windows Settings

Step 1: Open the Windows Start menu by clicking the Windows icon in your taskbar. Select Settings.

Step 2: In the Settings window, click Apps, then select Default Apps. This section lets you assign default programs for specific file types and protocols.

Step 3: In the search box under "Set defaults for applications," type Chrome and select Google Chrome from the results.

Step 4: At the top of the Google Chrome settings page, click Set default. This action attempts to assign Chrome as the default handler for web links and common web file types.

Step 5: Review the list of file types and link types (such as .htm, .html, HTTP, and HTTPS) below the "Set default" button. If any still show Microsoft Edge or another browser, click each and select Google Chrome from the list. This step ensures Chrome handles all relevant web protocols and file types.

Closing the Settings window finalizes your changes. Test by clicking a hyperlink in another application to confirm Chrome now opens web links by default.

Some applications, such as Outlook for Windows, use their own settings to determine which browser opens links. Even if Chrome is set as the system default, Outlook may continue to use Edge unless configured otherwise.

Step 1: Open the Outlook app on your Windows 11 device.

Step 2: In Outlook, click File in the top-left corner, then select Options.

Step 3: In the Options window, click Advanced from the left sidebar. Scroll down to the Link handling section.

Step 4: Find the setting labeled Open hyperlinks from Outlook in and choose Default Browser from the dropdown menu. Click OK to save your changes.

This adjustment directs Outlook to use your system’s default browser—such as Chrome—for all web links, instead of overriding your preference with Edge.

Reset Default App Associations and Repair System Files

If default browser settings keep reverting or refuse to apply, Windows file associations may be corrupted or restricted by system policies.

Step 1: Open the Start menu, search for Windows PowerShell, right-click it, and select Run as administrator.

Step 2: In the PowerShell window, type SFC /Scannow and press Enter. This command scans and repairs corrupted system files that could interfere with default app settings.

Step 3: Wait for the scan to complete. If issues are found and fixed, restart your computer. Then, repeat the steps above to set Chrome as your default browser.

If the problem persists, return to Settings > Apps > Default Apps and scroll down to Reset all default apps. Confirm the reset, then manually assign Chrome as the default browser again.

Remove Problematic Registry Entries for Browser Associations

Stubborn file associations may be locked by registry entries. Removing these can free up the system to accept new default browser settings.

Step 1: Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog. Type regedit and press Enter to launch the Registry Editor.

Step 2: Navigate to the following keys one at a time:

  • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\Associations\UrlAssociations\http\UserChoice
  • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\Associations\UrlAssociations\https\UserChoice

Step 3: Right-click the UserChoice subkey in each location and select Delete. This removes the forced association and allows Windows to accept your new default browser choice.

Step 4: Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer. Then, set Chrome as your default browser using the methods above.

Caution: Editing the registry can cause system instability if done incorrectly. Always back up the registry or create a system restore point before making changes.

Additional Tips and Troubleshooting

Some Windows 11 builds or updates may introduce bugs that interfere with default browser settings. If none of the above methods work, consider the following:

  • Uninstall and reinstall Chrome, then retry the default browser assignment.
  • Disable "Startup Boost" in Microsoft Edge, which can sometimes prevent Chrome from being set as the default browser.
  • Check for third-party security software or system management tools that may block changes to file associations.
  • Perform a system clean boot to rule out background application conflicts.

If links from specific applications still open in Edge, verify those apps’ internal settings for browser preferences. For company-managed devices, group policies may enforce default browser settings; consult your IT administrator if this is the case.

Following these steps will resolve most cases where Windows 11 refuses to let you set Chrome as the default browser, letting you open links in your preferred browser without extra hassle.