How to Set Default Browser to Microsoft Edge in Windows 10 Using PowerShell

Changing the default browser on your Windows 10 computer can be a straightforward process, but what if you want to set it to Microsoft Edge only if the current default is Internet Explorer? In this article, we'll explore how to achieve this using simple PowerShell commands.

To start with, let's take a look at why setting Microsoft Edge as the default browser is important. As of 2021, Microsoft has stopped supporting Internet Explorer for most Azure and Office 365 applications, which means that users who rely on these services will need to switch to another browser or Microsoft Edge to ensure continued support.

Now, let's dive into the PowerShell script that can help you set Microsoft Edge as your default browser if the current default is Internet Explorer. The script uses a simple If condition to check the current default browser and only make changes if it's Internet Explorer.

Here's an example of how you can use this script:

```

# Check the current default browser

$currentDefaultBrowser = (Get-ItemProperty -Path 'HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell' -Name DefaultBrowser).defaultbrowser

# Check if the current default is Internet Explorer

if ($currentDefaultBrowser -eq 'C:\\Program Files\\Internet Explorer\\iexplore.exe') {

# Set Microsoft Edge as the new default browser

New-ItemProperty -Path 'HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell' -Name DefaultBrowser -Value 'C:\\Program Files (x86)\\Microsoft\\Edge\\Application\\msedge.exe' -Force

}

```

This script checks the current default browser using the Get-ItemProperty cmdlet and then uses an If statement to check if it's Internet Explorer. If it is, the script sets Microsoft Edge as the new default browser using the New-ItemProperty cmdlet.

It's worth noting that if you want to set Microsoft Edge as the default browser for all users on a Windows 10 computer, you'll need to use Group Policy Editor (GPO) and configure the DefaultAssociationsConfiguration. Microsoft provides detailed documentation on how to do this.

In conclusion, setting Microsoft Edge as your default browser in Windows 10 using PowerShell is a simple process that can be achieved with just a few lines of code. By using an If condition to check the current default browser, you can ensure that changes are only made if the current default is Internet Explorer. With this script, you'll be able to easily switch to Microsoft Edge and take advantage of its improved features and security.

'Set Default Browser Windows 10'

Set default browser windows 10