Change Windows 11 default programs

Windows default programs are set for Windows apps, such as the Edge browser, when it's first installed.  The default apps can easily be changed to fit your preferences.

Description

When Windows is first installed, default programs are set to Windows apps — for example, Microsoft Edge is set as the default web browser. These defaults can easily be changed to fit your preferences.

This article explains how to change default programs in Windows, including the default email client, PDF viewer, and web browser. It also covers how to set the preferred default browser within Microsoft Outlook.

Setting Default Programs in Windows

1. Select the Start button, then type Default apps in the search bar.
2. In the search results, select Default apps.
3. Within Default apps, search by file type (for example, PDF) or by app name, or scroll through the list of installed applications.

The following sections describe recommended options to review.

Email

How-to video: https://app.screencast.com/vAPyZETJND0Qu

1. Search for Outlook, or scroll down and click Outlook.
2. For each file type listed, confirm that Outlook is selected as the default program.

PDF Viewer

How-to video: https://app.screencast.com/BAnbzmjQmhv2o

Note: Microsoft occasionally resets the default PDF viewer back to Edge after a major Windows update. You may need to repeat these steps after a Windows update.

1. Search for Adobe, or scroll down and click Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Reader.
2. Scroll down the list of default file types and select .pdf.
3. Set Adobe as the default PDF viewer.

Web Browser

How-to video: https://app.screencast.com/6dxAJALRqVhsR

1. Search for your desired installed web browser and click to select it.
2. Click the Set default button in the upper right corner.

Setting the Default Browser in Microsoft Outlook

If links in Outlook are opening in Microsoft Edge rather than your preferred default browser (such as Chrome or Firefox), check your Outlook settings.

1. Open Microsoft Outlook.
2. Click File, then select Options in the left menu.
3. In the Outlook Options window, click Advanced in the left menu.
4. Scroll down to File and browser preferences.
5. Next to Open hyperlinks from Outlook in, click the dropdown menu and select Default Browser.

Training Resources

• Microsoft Support: Change Default Apps in Windows - Microsoft Support