Windows – Win 10 search bar ignores default browser

browserdefault settingswindows 10

I am trying to change the browser that opens when performing Internet searches through the Win 10 search bar. I tried:

  • changing default browser in "default apps" https://puu.sh/DrfB8/c6e6d98816.png changing this had no effect, it still uses Edge
  • set defaults by app https://puu.sh/DrfTn/211d59a5a8.png changing this had no effect, it still uses Edge
  • use the old control panel to set the default browser – it seems this has been removed as it redirects me to the above mentioned menu
  • try a different browser – Vivaldi is based on chrome so I tried Firefox and it has the same problem

no matter what I do, Windows keeps using Edge instead of my preferred browser. How do i fix this?

Best Answer

Turns out this cannot be done natively, but we can use Edge deflector to force windows to use the selected default browser for all links that are hard coded to be opened in Edge.

As a cherry on top we can then use a browser add-on like Chrometana to redirect Bing searches to your favourite search engine.

Credits to @vaku for telling me about Edge deflector.

Github: EdgeDeflector

EdgeDeflector is a small helper application that intercepts URIs that force-open web links in Microsoft Edge and redirects it to the system’s default web browser. This allows you to use Windows features like the Cortana assistant and built-in help links with the browser of your choice instead of being forced to use Microsoft Edge. With EdgeDeflector, you’re free to use Firefox, Google Chrome, or whatever your favorite web browser might be!

Chrome Plugin: Chrometana

Redirect all Bing (and therefore Cortana) searches to a search engine of your choice!

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