{"id":73958,"date":"2024-01-23T08:47:32","date_gmt":"2024-01-23T16:47:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.mozilla.org\/?p=73958"},"modified":"2025-05-29T15:51:00","modified_gmt":"2025-05-29T22:51:00","slug":"how-to-install-firefox-set-to-default","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.mozilla.org\/en\/firefox\/how-to-install-firefox-set-to-default\/","title":{"rendered":"Got a new device? Don\u2019t skip this small step to make it safer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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If you just scored a new phone, tablet or computer over the holidays or from an end-of-year sale, congratulations! Starting the new year with a new device is always exciting, and we know you\u2019re eager to get it set up ASAP. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But whether you received a new phone or laptop, one of the best first steps to personalizing your device is setting your preferred or default browser \u2014 debating which screensaver you should go with isn\u2019t going anywhere, we promise. While many of these devices have pre-installed browsers, such as Apple\u2019s Safari, best believe you\u2019re actually not stuck with them. You should take a moment to consider the alternatives to the default that can lead to a more customized and efficient browsing experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, we\u2019ll dive into the easy steps you can take to make Firefox<\/a> your default browser and why it might be the perfect fit for your browsing needs across the new devices you received last month during the holidays. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. First off, why Firefox?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before we get into the nitty-gritty about how to add Firefox to your devices, let\u2019s lay out why<\/em> you should do this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While there are multiple browser options to choose from when setting up your new technology, keep in mind that Firefox is a browser backed by a non-profit whose sole mission is to ensure that the Internet is a global public resource, open and accessible to all. It\u2019s a fast browser that puts reliability and security\/privacy ahead of profits, with a focus on the needs of people, not shareholders. Firefox also has a wide range of extensions, too, that take your browsing experience to the next level \u2014 it\u2019s one of the few browsers that supports extensions on Android devices, by the way. It can also sync all of your devices to take your favorite bookmarks, saved logins, passwords and browsing history wherever you go. Plus, send open tabs between your phone and laptop or computer to pick up where you left off. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Where to download and install Firefox<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

OK, let\u2019s get right to it. The first step in making Firefox the default browser on your new devices is by, well, downloading and installing it. Visit our Mozilla Firefox page, <\/a>scroll down and select your preferred operating system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Once Firefox is downloaded on your computer or device, take a second and bask in it, exploring and getting familiar with the layout\/features. Don\u2019t get lost in it for too long, though.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. How to set Firefox as your default browser<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now that Firefox is downloaded on your new device, let\u2019s make it the default browser. Depending on which operating system you are using, the setup is different. Here\u2019s what they look like for each platform:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Windows:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n