So you have Microsoft Windows set to use Chrome as your default browser, but you want to use a desktop shortcut to open a specific site in IE. Or maybe another website icon that will only work in Firefox. Creating a shortcut to a web document won’t work. However, you can open a URL using a shortcut to a non-default browser using these steps:
- Right-click a blank area of the desktop and select “New” > “Shortcut“.
- For the location, type the path to the browser you wish to use followed by the URL you wish to open. For example:
- Chrome: “C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe” https://technipages.com
- IE: “C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe” https://technipages.com
- Firefox: “C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe” https://technipages.com
- Provide the name for the shortcut. You will probably want to use the name of the website in most cases.
- Select “Next“.
- Select “Finish“.
Now you have a shortcut that will open the website in a specific web browser, no matter what the default browser is set to in Windows.
I have tested this thoroughly and it works in Windows 7 as well as Windows 10.
Oliver Kirchhoff says
Great tip! This fixes the problem of Google Earth not being supported in my main browser Firefox Quantum.
Javier says
Definitely helped Mitch, thank you !
In my case I use mostly Firefox for work reasons, so having a shortcut to files in Google drive (also for reasons) is tremendously helpful.
Roland says
Any tips on opening two tabs with one shortcut?
Robert L. says
Sweet! Worked for me. Thanks! Now I can avoid opening IE to start up another program. IE flashes up in the background momentarily, then goes away, and the other app fires up.
Mitch Bartlett says
Yay! I’m glad it worked for you.
Christa says
Thank you!! Trying to have a login page open in Chrome (default browser is Explorer). Tried using other methods and kept getting “Illegal Institution” error message. This method worked!