Resolved Default to Chrome

Have recently migrated to Win 10 via a new PC, and have managed to set it up to my satisfaction. However, one thing I cannot do is get the 'search box' to default to Chrome (which I much prefer to Edge). Have tried all the methods I could find online, but none works.

Any suggestions? I am happy to edit the registry if necessary.

 

I agree with Steve.

That said, did you go into Settings > Apps > Default Apps and make sure Chrome is set for "Web browser"?

BTW, the "new" Edge, which is 99.9% different from the original Edge (that last .1% being the name only) is based on Chromium by Google. So "under the hood" the new Edge and Chrome are almost identical. In fact, Microsoft and Google have created a partnership and are now in a total collaboration with a single team effort to develop both Chrome and Edge together. One recent major example of this was Google and Microsoft working together to scrap Chrome's old integrated "Hunspell" spell checker and implement the "Windows" Spellcheck in both Chrome and Edge.

The two browsers are so similar that you can use essentially all add-ins and extensions made for Chrome in the new Edge.

So while the two are almost identical, there are some important differences. The user interface (UI), of course, is different. But a browser is a browser so like many things, it is just a matter of giving a different browser a fair and honest amount of time to get used to the look and feel before passing judgement. For example, Chrome's method of managing add-ins and extensions is a little more intuitive. But, with just a little time, it does not take long for Edge's to become easy and intuitive too.

Almost all other features are very similar with only slight advantages here and disadvantages there. But one area where Edge shines (and a main reason why I use Edge instead of Chrome as my primary) is resource management and performance. Edge utilizes RAM better for slightly better performance. Edge also releases RAM more readily when closed.

Another is privacy and security. Contrary to what many believe and want us to believe, Microsoft is NOT, by far, our biggest threat to privacy or security. Google's entire business model depends on learning all about us so they can target tailored ads at us. I am NOT saying Google is a threat to our privacy or security - that's for another discussion. I am just saying if you rank privacy and security high up in your priorities for choosing a browser, Edge is the better choice, albeit if only by a small margin.

All I am really saying is, if you like Chrome (and it is a great browser), you really should give the new Chromium based Edge a fair and honest shake. Forget it has the Microsoft brand on it. Forget it has the same name as the first Edge (another MS marketing blunder for another discussion). The new Chromium based Edge is worth a chance. You might find you like it.

 

Thanks Steve and Bill - Yes, I mean the box next to the start button. The box may not of itself be a browser, but typing in anything opens up opens the Edge browser, which is what I want to change. Edge may be good but I prefer the Chrome interface. So, can I change the fact that the search box opens an Edge search?

 

This is odd. It is not opening a browser on any of my systems. I get a window with options where one of the table is the "Web" but it is not opening up in Edge or any other browser. I'm at a loss here. ???

 

You should be able to make Chrome your default browser. Sounds like Edge is the default now.

 

Thanks Tony - a useful answer. evidently it's not worth the trouble opting to change this situation. I shall leave things as they are.

Once again, BBS turns up trumps.