Make desktop browser the default.

In general, I like Windows 8, but there's one thing bugging me.

If I'm working on the desktop and click a link in the email, it will open the metro browser, whereas I would prefer it to open a new tab in the desktop - seeing as I'm actually using the desktop at that time.

Is there a way to force this behavior In fact, if I could make the desktop versions of the browsers, the only browser, that would be good.

If you're using Internet Explorer, you can do the following:

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2346-internet-explorer-10-open-links-win-8-ui-desktop-ie10.html


1. press Windows+R

2. type in iexplore

3. click the tools icon or press ALT+X

4. click Internet Options

5. click Programs

6. under Choose how you open links, you can set it to Always open Internet Explorer on the desktop

Thanks - how about in Chrome? I've had a look around but can't find where that setting is.

Unfortuantely, I don't think the Chrome devs have made that an option. In Windows 8, if Chrome is set as the default browser, it is going to launch in what the term "immersive" mode. I'm not sure how the new Firefox nightly builds handle this. Opera, on the other hand, while the new beta has touch optimizations, is still a desktop app.

I'm sure these things will follow after official launch. The bundled IE is awful. It reports no flash, no shockwave and so on and so forth.

I'm using a 27inch monitor and the "Immersive" mode offends my eyes, hence wanting to stay on the desktop. I think with a smaller screen it wouldn't be a problem though.

Both IE 10 and Chrome are built with Flash and Flash updates are handled through Windows Update and Chrome updates, respectively. I think that was a good security measure. Other plugins are a different story, but I'm really trying to move away from them, since I don't need them for any job-related function.