How do I stop Windows 10 from resetting my default browser?

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Windows 10 keeps resetting my default browser to Microsoft Edge. I am trying to run Firefox Developer Edition as my default browser. The reset happens randomly, maybe once every week or two, but it is rather annoying.

I talked to Microsoft support and they wanted me to turn off Windows Update (!). I declined. I suspect it may be related, though.

My Windows Update history shows that the last update was KB3213986, applied on 2017-01-12. I noticed that my browser had been reset on 2017-01-16.

Has anyone else encountered this problem? Is there a fix?

rossng

Posted 2017-01-16T20:42:00.550

Reputation: 11

1This only happens with a feature update, it doesn't happen with normal security updates, and it's behavior that can't be avoided (just how the feature updates work) – Ramhound – 2017-01-16T20:52:06.230

1Try setting it through Settings, System, Default Apps, and make sure you also set it to Edge and then away from it to Firefox. Had a similar problem once and that fixed it. – LPChip – 2017-01-16T20:57:34.767

Are you using a vanilla release, or are you on one of the Insider Preview rings? – Ƭᴇcʜιᴇ007 – 2017-01-16T21:45:43.010

Answers

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The default browser is set in the Registry under

HKCU\SOFTWARE\Classes\http

and

HKCU\SOFTWARE\Classes\https

User-set default browser

These user settings take precedent over those in HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT, which may be ignored.

You could right-click on the command key and change permissions so it is less likely that Windows will mangle your settings on the next update.

You can also make a small .reg file, exporting those settings, so the next time MS does foul it up, you just need to merge it back into the Registry.

DrMoishe Pippik

Posted 2017-01-16T20:42:00.550

Reputation: 13 291

Asked: 2017-01-16T20:42:00.550

Viewed: 4 695 times

Active: 2019-03-27T20:48:29.587