If you are someone who prefers to use Google Chrome over your computer’s default browser, it can be frustrating when links automatically open in the latter. Don’t worry, there are simple solutions to this issue.
To learn how to force a URL to open in Chrome instead of your default browser, we’re going to show you a step-by-step tutorial on how to do that. Here we go.
Table of Contents
How to force URL to open in Chrome using a shortcut
1. Right-click on your desktop and select New, and select Shortcut.
2. In the location field, type the path to your Chrome browser followed by the URL you want to open. For example, if your Chrome is located in C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe and you want to open https://asapguide.com, you would type: “C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe” https://asapguide.com.
3. Click Next and give your shortcut a name.
4. Click Finish and you’re done! Now you have a shortcut that will always open the URL in Chrome.
You can create as many shortcuts as you want for different websites and browsers.
How to right-click URL to open in Chrome
To do this, you need to install an extension. There are many options available for different browsers, such as Open With for Firefox, Open in Chrome for Safari, or Open Link With for Edge. As an example, we are using Microsoft Edge as the default browser.
1. In Edge, open the Microsoft Edge Add-ons.
2. Search for Open in Chrome Browser. Click on Get to install the add-ons.
3. Next, you need to configure the extension. Click on the extension icon in your Edge toolbar.
4. For the extension to work, download a package for your OS.
5. Give it permission to download.
6. Open the downloaded file and extract it using WinZip or WinRAR.
7. Double-click the install.bat file.
8. A terminal will show up. After it finishes installing, press any key to continue.
9. Finally, you can use the extension to open any link in Chrome from inside Edge. Just right-click on the URL you want to open and select Open Link in Chrome. The link will open in a new window or tab in Chrome.
You can do this for any link on any website, as long as you have the extension installed and enabled. Now you can easily switch between browsers without hassle.
Modify the URL Protocol
A simpler variation is to change the URL protocol text itself. For example:
googlechrome://www.example.comchromeweb://www.example.com
Even though these aren’t officially designated protocols, Chrome will launch instead of triggering a browser error. You can use these modified URLs in bookmarks, documents, scripts, and anywhere else you normally place links. Just tweak the protocol and Chrome will open the page.
Make Chrome the Default Browser
The most comprehensive way to force Chrome to launch for links is to make it your default browser system-wide. This makes Chrome open automatically for any link you click. Here are the steps to make Chrome your default browser:
- Open Chrome and click the three-dot menu > Settings
- On the left menu click Default browser
- Select Make default
Now Chrome will launch for all links across your device – in files, apps, email, and everywhere else. You won’t have to modify specific URLs.
Use Chrome Shortcuts
Another option is creating dedicated Chrome shortcuts for web pages and web apps.
For example, make a shortcut for Gmail that launches Chrome and goes directly to the Gmail site. Or make shortcuts for internal web apps that automatically open in Chrome.
The benefit here is that Chrome will launch directly to the page, without tabs or address bars getting in the way. It essentially turns a web page into a desktop app.
To set this up:
- Right-click on the desktop and select New > Shortcut
- Enter the URL you want to open, like https://www.gmail.com
- Click Next, name the shortcut, then Finish
- Launch the shortcut anytime to open the site in Chrome
You can customize shortcuts with app icons and even pin them to the taskbar. Just repeat the process for any sites you regularly access.
Conclusion
With the right tools and shortcuts, you can configure Chrome to launch for links across your device. The options above give you ways to force URLs to open in Chrome in different situations:
- Use Chrome protocols for bookmarks and some links
- Make Chrome the system-wide default browser
- Create dedicated Chrome shortcuts to sites and web apps
- Install browser extensions for more control
- Tab then enter to override search and launch sites directly
Setting Chrome as your go-to browser takes a bit of work. But soon, your links will all open where you want them to. Just find the techniques that make sense for your browsing needs.
