How to Make IE11 the Default Browser in Windows

This tutorial is only intended for users running the IE11 Web browser on Windows operating systems.

Anytime a Web browser is needed in Windows; the default option is usually launched. For example, let's say that Firefox is your default browser. Clicking on a link in an email will cause Firefox to open and navigate to the appropriate URL. You can set Internet Explorer 11 to be your default browser if you wish. This tutorial shows you how to in just a few simple steps.

1. Open your IE11 browser.
2. Click on the Gear icon, also known as the Action or Tools menu, located in the upper right-hand corner of your browser window. When the drop-down menu appears, click on Internet options.
3. The Internet Options dialog should now be visible, overlaying your browser window.
4. Click on the Programs tab. The first section in this window is labeled Opening Internet Explorer. To designate IE11 as your default browser, click on the button within this section labeled Make Internet Explorer the default browser.
5. The Set Default Programs interface, part of the Windows Control Panel, should now be visible. Select Internet Explorer from the Programs list, found in the left menu pane. Next, click on the Set this program as default link.

Please note that you can also configure IE11 to only open certain file types and protocols by clicking on the Choose defaults for this program link, found at the bottom of the Set Default Programs window.

IE11 is now your default browser. Click OK to return to your main browser window.