Cannot set default browser

Hi Heath,

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A!

Thanks for sharing your issue with setting a default browser in Windows 11 Pro (24H2). I understand how frustrating it is when the usual option to make Brave or Edge the default browser is missing, especially after trying advanced repair steps and resetting app defaults.

This issue may be occurring due to a few potential reasons. It is possible that recent Windows updates, such as your 24H2 (Build 26100.4770), have introduced stricter controls over default browser settings to promote Microsoft Edge. Another possibility is a bug with browser default handlers, which can cause Windows to reset HTTP/HTTPS links even after you have manually set a different browser as your default.

So below are some suggestions, from easy and basic fixes to advanced actions. Stop and check after trying each solution.

1 - Brave-specific fix:

• Open Brave browser > type in the address bar: brave://settings/defaultBrowser
• Click Make Default > reset and see if the change took effects.

2 - Manually set default browsers:

• Go to Settings > Apps > Default apps
• Scroll down and select Brave or Microsoft Edge
• Make Brave(or Edge) your default browser by clicking Set default
• 
• For precaution, manually assign Brave/Edge to each handle: .htm, .html, .pdf, HTTP, HTTPS… > Click each file type and protocol > choose your browser > Set default.
• 
• If you can't find Brave (or any other browser), consider uninstalling and reinstalling it from a trusted source.

3 - Repair with built-in upgrade

As you don't want to reset or reinstall your PC, this solution will refresh your Windows operating system without making changes to your files or applications.

• Check Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates
• If you're on the latest build > Settings > System > Recovery
• Click Reinstall now in the Fix problems using Windows Update box
• 

4 - Advanced options to set Brave as default (change to other .exe to your preference)

• Use PowerShell > type Start-Process "brave.exe" -ArgumentList "--make-default-browser"
• Use Group Policy:
  • Press Win + R > gpedit.msc > navigate to: Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\File Explorer
  • Disable Do not show the 'Set Program Defaults' option
• Use Registry:
  • Press Win + R > gpedit.msc > navigate to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\Associations\UrlAssociations
  • For http/https > right-click UserChoice subkey > Delete > Restart

Disclaimer: Generally, modifying registry subkeys or work group is intended for advanced users, administrators, and IT Professionals. It can help fix some problems, however, serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly. Therefore, make sure that you follow these steps carefully. For further protection, back up the registry before you modify it. Then, you can restore the registry if a problem occurs. For more information about how to back up and restore the registry, click How to back up and restore the registry in Windows - Microsoft Support to view the article.

If all of the above options failed, consider trying to use a third-party tool like for deeper control, but please research and check before downloading any of them. Let me know if you'd like help applying any of these steps or if the problem persists. Thanks for your time!

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Warm Regards,

Lychee-MSFT | Microsoft Q&A Support Specialist