This article explains how you can set Microsoft Edge as the default browser on Windows and macOS.
Aug 20, 2019 The beta version of the Edge browser features new personalization options, such as tab page customization, dark theme support, and extensions from the Microsoft Insider Addons.
Note
This article applies to Microsoft Edge version 77 or later on Windows 8 and Windows 10. For Windows 7 and macOS, see the Set Microsoft Edge as default browser policy.
Introduction
Mar 01, 2020 The new Microsoft Edge is based on Chromium and will be released January 15, 2020. It's compatible with all supported versions of Windows, and with macOS (version 10.12 Sierra or higher). When you download this browser, it replaces the legacy version of Microsoft Edge on Windows 10 PCs.
Aug 20, 2019 The Beta channel is the third and final 'preview' channel for Chromium-based Edge, also known unofficially by some of us Microsoft watchers as 'Chredge.'
You can use the Set a default associations configuration file Group Policy or the DefaultAssociationsConfiguration Mobile Device Management setting to set Microsoft Edge as the default browser for your organization.
To set Microsoft Edge Stable as the default browser for html files, http/https links, and PDF files use the following application association file example:
To set Microsoft Edge Beta as the default browser, set ApplicationName to 'Microsoft Edge Beta' and ProgId to 'MSEdgeBHTML'. To set Microsoft Edge Dev as the default browser, set ApplicationName to 'Microsoft Edge Dev' and ProgId to 'MSEdgeDHTML'.
Mac Os Microsoft Edge Beta Update
Note
The default file associations aren't applied if Microsoft Edge isn't installed on the target device. In this scenario, users are prompted to select their default application when they open a link or a htm/html file.
Set Microsoft Edge as the default browser on domain-joined devices
You can set Microsoft Edge as the default browser on domain-joined devices by configuring the Set a default associations configuration file group policy. Turning this group policy on requires you to create and store a default associations configuration file. This file is stored locally or on a network share. For more information about creating this file, see Export or Import Default Application Associations.
To configure the group policy for a default file type and protocol associations configuration file:
Open the Group Policy editor and go to the Computer ConfigurationAdministrative TemplatesWindows ComponentsFile Explorer.
Select Set a default associations configuration file.
Click policy setting, and then click Enabled.
Under Options:, type the location to your default associations configuration file.
Click OK to save the policy settings.
Microsoft Edge Insider Mac
The example in the next screenshot shows an associations file named appassoc.xml on a network share that is accessible from the target device.
Note
If this setting is enabled and the user's device is domain-joined, the associations configuration file is processed the next time the user signs on.
Set Microsoft Edge as the default browser on Azure Active Directory joined devices
To set Microsoft Edge as the default browser on Azure Active Directory joined devices follow the steps in the DefaultAssociationsConfiguration Mobile Device Management setting using the following application association file as an example.
Note
To set Microsoft Edge Beta as the default browser, set ApplicationName to 'Microsoft Edge Beta' and ProgId to 'MSEdgeBHTML'. To set Microsoft Edge Dev as the default browser, set ApplicationName to 'Microsoft Edge Dev' and ProgId to 'MSEdgeDHTML'.
Set Microsoft Edge as the default browser on macOS
Attempting to programmatically set the default browser on macOS causes a prompt to appear for the end user. This prompt is a macOS security feature that can only be automated away by using an AppleScript.
Because of this limitation, there are two main methods for setting Microsoft Edge as the default browser on a macOS. The first option is to flash the device with an image of macOS where Microsoft Edge has already been set as the default browser. The other option is to use the Set Microsoft Edge as default browser policy, which prompts the user to set Microsoft Edge as the default browser.
https://cleverama943.weebly.com/blog/change-microsoft-word-ruler-to-inches-mac-2011. When using either of these methods, it is still possible for a user to change the default browser. This is because for security reasons, the default browser preference can’t be blocked programmatically. For this reason, we recommend that you deploy the Set Microsoft Edge as default browser policy even if you create an image with Microsoft Edge as the default browser. If the policy is set and a user changes the default browser from Microsoft Edge the next time they open Microsoft Edge, they will be prompted to set it as the default.
See also
Export or Import Default Application Associations
By Amber Neely Wednesday, January 15, 2020, 09:51 am PT (12:51 pm ET)
Anyone interested in trying Microsoft's redesigned Edge Chromium browser can now download and use the first release version.
Microsoft Edge Beta Program Mac Os
Edge Chromium is rebuilt with Google's Chromium, the open-source browser engine that powers main rival Google Chrome. The change will, in theory, make it easier for developers to produce extensions for the browser, as well as making for a more standardized web experience for users and web developers, with websites loading with a similar appearance to Google's own browser.
Edge Insider Mac
Under the new version of Edge, Microsoft will include a new tracking prevention default where it is turned on from the start. The SmartScreen and Tracking Prevention mechanisms aim to protect against phishing schemes, malware, and other malicious software, while an InPrivate mode will stop web searches from being attributable to the user, somewhat similar to Chrome's Incognito mode. At launch, history sync and extension sync won't be available, which could be a deal breaker for some users. These features are a large reason why many users choose Google's Chrome in the first place. Microsoft has stated that both history and extension sync will be available later in 2020. A Collections feature, which is listed as 'coming soon,' can be used to collect web content for research purposes, which can then be exported into Word or Excel for further analysis.
Microsoft Edge Beta For Mac
While many established users are likely to continue using their browser of choice, Microsoft Edge Chromium does serve a purpose. Enterprise users will be able to utilize Chromium's built in 'Internet Explorer' mode, which will allow businesses and agencies to load legacy Internet Explorer content.
Mac Os Microsoft Edge Beta Download
While it targets enterprise users, the newly released browser is available for anyone download now from Microsoft directly, on both macOS and Windows. Chromium's enhanced privacy features and support for 4K Ultra HD Netflix with Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision, currently for Windows 10 only, has not been replicated on Google Chrome yet.