Fix: Can’t Set Opera as the Default Browser
Check if you have the necessary permissions to set Opera as default
- Some of our readers can't set Opera as the default browser when there’s a corrupted or incomplete installation.
- The reason behind this problem might be the fact that you already have another version of the browser installed.
- Make sure you have the right permissions to change the default settings and that you install the app for all users.
Opera is undoubtedly one of the most feature-rich and customizable browsers. Therefore, many of its users no doubt prefer to set Opera as the default browser in Windows 10. However, many readers reported that they can’t set Opera as the default browser.
Why can’t I make Opera my default browser?
You can still utilize Opera without it being your default browser. However, your default browser will always open whenever you click webpage hyperlinks in documents and software.
So, let’s go through a couple of reasons why you can’t set Opera as the default browser:
- Another version is already installed – If you have installed the developer or the portable version of Opera, you will not be able to fully install a stable version of Opera, hence, you won’t see it in the Default app section.
- It is not installed for all users – During the installation of Opera, make sure you check the option to do so for all the users on the PC. Otherwise, check if you can set it up as default on the main account.
- You don’t have permissions – If you’re not the administrator, you might not change the default browser. This guide on how to get administrator rights on Windows 10 will help you.
Now that we know what potential issues are hindering this operation, let’s see how we can fix this problem.
How do I change my default browser from Internet Explorer (or Edge) to Opera?
- Click the Windows Start button, type default apps within the search box and click on Default apps to open the window shown directly below.
- Then click the Web browser selection box, where you should see Opera listed.
- Select the Opera browser there.
The usual way to change default apps is to select them via the Default apps tab in Settings, as shown in our solution above.
Yet, some users have said they can’t select Opera there, or nothing happens when they select it.
If you still can’t set Opera as the default browser, check out these potential resolutions.
What should I do when I can’t set Opera as the default browser?
1. Reinstall Opera
- Click the Start button and go to Settings.
- Select Apps from the list.
- Look for all the Opera versions installed, click on them and select Uninstall.
- Go to the Opera dedicated webpage and hit the Download Opera button.
- Run the installer and make sure to install the correct version for your system. Also, install the browser for all users of the Windows device.
You should uninstall Opera with a third-party uninstaller, such as IObit Uninstaller. Aside from removing Opera, this tool also gives users the option to erase leftover residual files for the software.
IObit Uninstaller incorporates many handy tools you don’t get with the default Windows uninstaller. Furthermore, you can also utilize it to remove browser toolbars and plug-ins, unwanted bundleware, and Windows updates.
Expert tip:
SPONSORED
Some PC issues are hard to tackle, especially when it comes to corrupted repositories or missing Windows files. If you are having troubles fixing an error, your system may be partially broken.
We recommend installing Restoro, a tool that will scan your machine and identify what the fault is.
Click here to download and start repairing.
Other useful IObit Uninstaller features:
- Users can update software with IObit Uninstaller’s Software Updater tab
- It includes a File Shredder utility for deleting files
- You can select software to remove with IObit Uninstaller’s Easy Uninstall icon
- IObit Uninstaller Pro includes a stubborn program removal feature
IObit Uninstaller
This amazing tool ensures that there are absolutely no leftovers when you get rid of an app.
2. Try selecting Opera by protocol
- First, press the Windows key + I hotkey, which will open Settings.
- Next, select Apps, then choose Default apps.
- Click Choose default apps by protocol.
- Then click the HTTP and HTTPS protocols there, and select Opera as default.
After you change the default protocol, any HTTP or HTTPS link will be opened by default with the Opera browser.
3. Click Opera’s Make Default option
- Launch Opera.
- Click the O at the top left of Opera and select the Settings option.
- Scroll down to the Make opera the default browser option and click the Make default button.
4. Reset the default app settings
- Press the Windows key + I to start Settings.
- Next, click Apps.
- Select the Default apps tab, scroll down, and hit the Reset button.
- Now, restart Windows 10 and try changing your default browser to Opera once again.
5. Try changing the default browser with third-party software
There are various third-party software tools you can change Windows 10’s default programs with. Defaults Program Editor is one such utility you can configure default software, change file type settings, and adjust autoplay settings with.
When you’ve installed and opened Defaults Program Editor, click its Default Programs Settings option. Then select Opera in the list of programs to change associations for. Select all the file extensions for Opera, and press the Change Defaults Program button.
⇒ Get Defaults Program Editor
We hope that our guide helped you finally set your Opera browser as default and now it works fine.
If you still can’t do that, Microsoft’s support services might also be able to help as this issue pertains to Windows 10’s default software settings.
Click the Chat with support link on the Contact Microsoft Support page to get in touch with a support agent.
So, that’s how you can change your default Windows 10 browser to Opera and fix issues for setting Opera as the default browser. Some of the solutions in our can’t change Windows 10 default apps guide might also help fix issues for setting Opera as your default browser.
For any other questions or suggestions, feel free to use the comments section below.
Still having issues? Fix them with this tool:
SPONSORED
If the advices above haven't solved your issue, your PC may experience deeper Windows problems. We recommend downloading this PC Repair tool (rated Great on TrustPilot.com) to easily address them. After installation, simply click the Start Scan button and then press on Repair All.
