Microsoft Edge has grown into a robust browser that offers speed, security, and seamless integration with Windows devices. Whether you're setting up a new computer or switching from another browser, here's how you can make Microsoft Edge your default web browser on both Windows and macOS platforms.

Setting Microsoft Edge as your default browser on Windows

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your Windows device. You can access it by clicking the Start Menu and selecting the Settings icon from the Pinned apps, or by typing "Settings" into the search bar.

Step 2: In the Settings window, click on the Apps tab located in the left sidebar to access app-specific settings.

Step 3: From the right pane, select Default apps to view and change default programs for various file types and protocols.

Step 4: Scroll through the list to find Microsoft Edge, or use the search bar under Set defaults for applications to locate it quickly.

Step 5: Click on Microsoft Edge to view the file types and protocols it can handle.

Step 6: At the top, you'll see a button labeled Set default under the Make Microsoft Edge your default browser section. Click this button to set Edge as the default for web browsing-related file types and links.

Step 7: To set Edge as the default for specific file types like .pdf, scroll down to find the file type, such as .PDF, and click on the app listed next to it.

Step 8: In the pop-up window, select Microsoft Edge from the list of apps and click OK to set it as the default for that file type.

You have now set Microsoft Edge as your default browser on your Windows device.

Setting Microsoft Edge as a default browser on macOS

On macOS, changing your default web browser to Microsoft Edge is quick and easy. You can do this through System Preferences or directly within the Edge browser itself.

Make Microsoft Edge default using System Preferences on Mac

Step 1: Open System Preferences on your Mac. You can access it from the Dock or by clicking the Apple icon in the top-left corner and selecting System Preferences.

Step 2: In the System Preferences window, click on the General icon to open general settings.

Step 3: Locate the Default web browser option. Click the dropdown menu next to it to see a list of installed browsers.

Step 4: Select Microsoft Edge from the dropdown list to make it your default browser.

Microsoft Edge is now set as your default web browser on macOS.

Make Microsoft Edge default using browser settings

If you'd prefer to change the default browser from within Microsoft Edge, you can do so without accessing System Preferences.

Step 1: Open Microsoft Edge on your Mac from the Dock or Launchpad.

Step 2: Click on the ellipsis icon (three horizontal dots) in the upper-right corner of the browser window. From the dropdown menu, select Settings.

Step 3: In the Settings sidebar, click on Default browser to access default browser settings.

Step 4: On the right, find the Default browser section and click the Make default button.

Step 5: A prompt will appear asking for confirmation. Click Use Microsoft Edge to confirm and set it as your default browser.

Microsoft Edge is now your default browser on your macOS device.

By configuring Microsoft Edge as your default browser, you can enjoy a consistent and optimized browsing experience across your Windows and macOS devices.