Set Default Microsoft Word
Set Microsoft Word As Default Mac Browser

Certain actions that you perform on your Mac will cause default apps to open. For example, clicking a document may open Pages. But what if you want Microsoft Word to open instead? You can also set your default web browser and email reader.

Here's how!

How to change the default Mac app for specific file types

Change the Default Application a File Opens With on Your Mac. Double clicking on a Microsoft Word file should open that document in Word. Sometimes, however, the default setting isn't very. To proofread in the selected language, highlight the text, then go to the Review tab and select Language Set proofing language. Choose a language from the list. Word will consider the highlighted selection to be the non-default, selected language and will check the spelling and grammar accordingly.

Right-click on a file that uses the file type you'd like to change the default for. For example, one with a .jpg extension (a photo).
Click on Get Info in the pop-up.
Click Open With if the section isn't already expanded.
Click the dropdown and choose an app.
Source: iMore
Click Change All...
Click Continue when the Finder asks you if you're sure.
Source: iMore

Now any time you open a file with that extension, the Finder will automatically open it with the app you've selected.

How to set your default web browser

Set Default Microsoft Word

Launch System Preferences from the dock, Finder, or by clicking the Apple icon in the Menu bar.
Click General at the top left of the window.
Click the dropdown next to Default web browser.
Click the web browser you'd like to use as the default.
Source: iMore

Set Microsoft Word As Default Mac Browser

How to set your default email reader

Mail is likely the default email app on your Mac, but just in case you have others downloaded, you can set the default reader. Here's how:

Launch Mail from your dock or the Finder.
Click Mail in the menu bar at the top of the screen.
Click Preferences.
Click the dropdown next to Default Mail Reader.
Click the app you'd like to set as the default.
Source: iMore

Questions?

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Updated February 2020: Updated for macOS Catalina!

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