Chrome Keeps Asking to Be Default Browser

Chrome asks to be your default browser when it checks and finds that another browser is the default. There are two ways to stop the prompt: make Chrome the default, or keep your other browser and close the prompt. On computers you manage, an administrator can also turn the check off with a Chrome policy. Here is how each works.

Quick Fixes to Try First

• Ensure Chrome is updated to the latest version.
• Restart your computer, then open Chrome again.
• Check which browser is set as the default in your system settings (steps below).

How to Disable Chrome Default Browser Check on Windows

If you want Chrome as your default, setting it stops the prompt for good:

1. Open Chrome and select More (⋮) > Settings, or open chrome://settings/defaultBrowser.
2. In the Default browser section, select Make default.
3. If Windows asks you to finish in Windows Settings, go to Apps > Default apps > Google Chrome and select Set default. See the full Windows 11 steps.
4. If there is no Make default button, Google says Chrome is already your default browser.

If you prefer another browser, leave it as your default in Settings > Apps > Default apps and close Chrome’s prompt when it appears.

Stopping Chrome Default Browser Notifications on macOS

On a Mac, set the default browser in System Settings (Apple’s steps):

1. From the Apple menu, choose System Settings.
2. Click Desktop & Dock in the sidebar.
3. Scroll down to the Default web browser menu.
4. Choose Google Chrome to make it the default, or keep your preferred browser and close Chrome’s prompt.

Using Chrome Policies to Manage Default Browser Settings

Administrators can control the check with the DefaultBrowserSettingEnabled policy on Windows, Mac and Linux:

• Disabled (false): Chrome never checks whether it is the default browser, and the user controls for this option are turned off.
• Enabled (true): Chrome checks on startup and, if possible, registers itself as the default. Google notes that on current versions of Windows this alone does not make Chrome the default; administrators deploy a default application associations file instead.
• Not set: users decide.

To see which policies apply to your Chrome, open chrome://policy. On a work or school computer, ask your IT team before changing anything.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Chrome keep asking to be the default browser?

Because another browser is set as your default. In some countries you may also be asked to choose a default browser from a choice screen, Google notes.

How do I stop Chrome from asking to be the default browser on startup?

Make Chrome your default browser, or close the prompt. On a managed computer, an administrator can set the DefaultBrowserSettingEnabled policy to false.

Is there a difference in fixing this issue on Windows vs macOS?

Yes. Windows uses Settings > Apps > Default apps, while a Mac uses System Settings > Desktop & Dock > Default web browser. Chrome’s own Make default button works on both.

What if the problem persists after trying all solutions?

Consider resetting Chrome settings or reinstalling the browser.