Apple has completely redesigned the System Preferences app in macOS Ventura. For a change, it has been renamed as “System Settings” and sports a familiar iOS-style user interface. Due to the redesign, the settings for a lot things have been tweaked including the way to set a default web browser on Mac. So, if you have upgraded your device and are wondering how to change the default web browser in macOS Ventura, this quick guide is for you.
Set a Default Web Browser on Mac in macOS 13 Ventura
In macOS 13, the option to choose a default browser appears in a new “Desktop & Dock” section. In previous macOS versions, it used to be inside the General category.
Step 1. To get started, click on the Apple menu icon at the top-left corner of the screen.
Step 2. Now, choose System Settings in the menu.
Alternatively, you can use the “Command-Space bar” keyword shortcut to bring up the Spotlight > search for System Settings and launch it.
Step 3. Next, click on Desktop & Dock that appears in the sidebar.
Stop 4. Scroll down to the Default web browser section and then click on the drop-down menu right next to it.
Step 5. Next up, you should see a list of all the browsers installed on your Mac. Now, just select the desired browser and then quit the System Settings app.
The change will come into effect immediately and your selected browser will begin to work as the default browser on your Mac. Going forward, all the web links will open in this browser.
It’s worth pointing out that there is an even easier way to make a web browser as default on macOS. And that too without going into the System Settings.
When you launch a browser that is not set as default, you will get a prompt asking whether you want to make it your preferred browser. Simply give your consent and you are done.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which is more efficient – Safari or Chrome?
On the security and efficiency fronts, Safari is way better than Chrome. However, Google’s offering takes the cake when you take everything including customization into account.
2. How do you force quit apps on Mac?
Click on the Apple menu at the top left corner of the screen -> Force Quit -> choose the app/s you want to kill -> hit Force Quit in the menu.
Signing off…
There you go! So, that’s how you can change a browser in the latest iteration of macOS. Coming back to the revamped System Settings, I find it a touch more intuitive and in sync with iOS and iPadOS. What about you? Make sure to share your thoughts in the comments section below.
