How-toSoftware Installation

How to install a web browser on Windows or Mac

Install Chrome or Firefox from the maker's own website on Windows or Mac, then make it your default browser, with checks that you have the real download.

  • Updated
  • 8 min
  • Beginner
Applies to
  • Windows 11
  • Windows 10
  • Mac

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Your computer already has a web browser, but you may want another one. Install Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox on Windows or a Mac from the maker's own website, then make it your default.

Windows 10 no longer gets security updates

Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. If your PC still runs it, a current browser helps, but it cannot replace system security updates. Keep banking and email to a minimum on that PC and plan to move to a supported system.

What you need

  • A working internet connection and a browser to start from. Windows includes Microsoft Edge and Macs include Safari.
  • Permission to install software. On Windows you may need an administrator account. On a Mac you may need your password.
  • A system that the browser supports. Google says Chrome needs Windows 10 or later on an Intel processor, or Windows 11 or later on an ARM processor, and macOS 13 Ventura or later on a Mac. Check the download page for current requirements, as they change.

If you are unsure which version your PC needs, see 32-bit, 64-bit or ARM: which version do I need? The browser makers' download pages normally pick the right version for you.

Installing a browser5 numbered steps, one under the other. The full text follows the picture.Installing a browser1FindGo to the maker's realdownload page2DownloadClick the one download button3InstallRun the file, or drag the appon a Mac4OpenStart the browser and check itworks5Set defaultOptional: make it open yourlinks
The same five stages apply on Windows and Mac.
Text version of this diagram
  1. Find: Go to the maker's real download page
  2. Download: Click the one download button
  3. Install: Run the file, or drag the app on a Mac
  4. Open: Start the browser and check it works
  5. Set default: Optional: make it open your links

Step 1: Find the official download page

  1. Open your current browser.
  2. Type the browser's name in the address bar, or use a search. Look for the result from the maker: google.com for Chrome or mozilla.org for Firefox.
  3. Check the address bar shows that domain before you go on. Ignore ads at the top of search results and any site that offers "free download" buttons beside other programs.

Fake browser downloads

Fake download pages copy the real ones. If a pop-up, email or caller told you to install a browser, do not follow it. Go to the maker's site yourself, as above.

Step 2: Install on Windows

Chrome

  1. On the Chrome download page, select the download button.
  2. When the download finishes, open the file from your browser's download list or the Downloads folder.
  3. If Windows asks Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?, select Yes. Google's help page also mentions a Run prompt on some systems.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions. On Windows 10 and later, Chrome opens when the installation finishes.

Firefox

  1. On the Firefox download page, select the download button. This fetches a Firefox Installer that picks the version that suits your PC.
  2. Open the file. If a User Account Control prompt asks whether to allow the installer to make changes, select Yes.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions. Firefox starts when the installation finishes.

On a PC running Windows in S mode, you cannot install Firefox directly. Mozilla says to get it from the Microsoft Store instead.

If a blue Windows protected your PC screen appears for a file you downloaded from the maker's site, read this guide before you continue.

Step 3: Install on a Mac

  1. On the maker's download page, select the download button. The page picks the right version for your Mac.
  2. Open the downloaded .dmg file (Chrome's is named googlechrome.dmg). A window opens showing the browser's icon.
  3. Drag the browser icon into the Applications folder. Enter your password if the Mac asks.
  4. Close the window. In the Finder sidebar, select the small eject icon beside the disk image to eject it.
  5. Open the browser from the Applications folder. If macOS asks whether you want to open an app downloaded from the internet, select Open.

Do not run it from the disk image

Mozilla warns that opening Firefox directly from the .dmg file, or dragging its icon to the desktop instead of Applications, can cause lost data and settings. Always copy the app to Applications first.

Step 4: Make it your default browser (optional)

A default browser opens when you click a link in an email or another program.

Windows 11

  1. Open Settings then Apps then Default apps.
  2. Under Set defaults for applications, select your browser.
  3. Select Set default.

Windows 10 uses a similar page under Settings then Apps then Default apps, where you choose the browser under Web browser. If a button is missing, look for the browser in the list of default apps. Chrome and Firefox also offer to become the default the first time you open them.

Mac

On macOS Ventura and later, open System Settings then Desktop & Dock, scroll down and choose your browser from the Default web browser menu. On earlier versions, open System Preferences then General and use the same menu there.

Check that it worked

  1. Open the browser. A window with a search box or a start page appears.
  2. Type a website address you know and press Enter. The page should load.
  3. Open the browser's menu and look for About or Help to see that it is up to date. Browsers normally update themselves.
If the install does not workA top-to-bottom flow chart with 5 boxes. Work through them in order and stop when the problem is fixed. The full text follows the picture.If the install does not workNoNo1Restart the computer andtry the installer again2Does it install now?Yes: You are done3Download the installeragain from the maker'ssite4Works now?Yes: You are doneCheck the systemrequirements on thedownload page.
Work down the list, stopping when it works.
Text version of this diagram
  1. Step 1: Restart the computer and try the installer again
  2. Question 2: Does it install now? If yes: You are done. If no, go on to the next item.
  3. Step 3: Download the installer again from the maker's site
  4. Question 4: Works now? If yes: You are done. If no, go on to the next item.
  5. If nothing worked: Check the system requirements on the download page.

If something goes wrong

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to install another browser?

No. Edge on Windows and Safari on a Mac work well for most people. Another browser is a matter of preference or of what your accounts and devices already use.

Can I have more than one browser?

Yes. They do not conflict. Only one is the default for opening links.

Will my bookmarks and passwords come with me?

Not by themselves. Chrome and Firefox both offer to import from other browsers, or you can sign in to the browser's account to sync. Look for an import option in the browser's settings.

Can I use the Microsoft Store or winget instead?

On Windows, yes. See use winget and the Microsoft Store.

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Official resources used

Pages consulted while preparing this guide. Check them for the latest details.

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