Use Chrome as Metro Browser in Windows 8 Release Preview

Browser Choices in the Windows 8 Metro Environment

Windows 8 provides the functionality for users to designate third-party browsers as their default within the Metro interface. However, this capability is not extended to devices running Windows RT.

Currently, Google Chrome is available for use in the Metro environment. Furthermore, a Metro-compatible version of Firefox is under development and anticipated for release.

Setting a Default Browser

Upon the official launch of Windows 8, switching the default browser within Metro will be a straightforward process. It will involve simply installing the desired browser, such as Firefox or Chrome, and then configuring it as the default application.

At present, obtaining the Firefox for Metro version requires a more technical approach. Users must compile the browser's code themselves to utilize it.

The availability of alternative browsers enhances user choice and flexibility within the Windows 8 operating system, offering options beyond Internet Explorer in the Metro experience.

Utilizing Chrome with the Metro Interface

Setting Google Chrome as the default browser within the Metro environment requires obtaining the "Dev channel for Windows" version, which is available on Google’s Chrome Release Channels webpage.

Currently, the integration of Firefox with Metro is still under development. Attempts to utilize builds from the –elm branch have not yielded functional results within the Metro interface.

For those interested in experimenting with Firefox for Metro and contributing to its development, instructions for self-compilation can be found on the Windows 8 Integration page of the Mozilla wiki. However, this process is quite complex.

Chrome Installation Details

The Dev channel provides access to the latest Chrome features, but may also contain instabilities. It’s important to be aware of this trade-off when choosing this installation method.

Firefox Metro Integration Status

The ongoing work on Firefox’s Metro integration highlights the challenges of adapting web browsers to the Windows 8 user interface. Successful integration requires significant development effort.

Individuals wishing to participate in the Firefox Metro project should possess strong technical skills and be comfortable with software compilation. The Mozilla wiki provides detailed guidance for those willing to undertake this task.

Utilizing a Browser within the Metro Interface

Within the Metro environment, only the browser designated as your default will function. This means that choosing Google Chrome as your primary browser will result in the Metro-style Internet Explorer becoming inaccessible.

Conversely, if Internet Explorer is maintained as the default, the Metro version of Google Chrome will remain unusable, even with a successful installation.

Setting Chrome as the Default Browser

Upon installation, you will be asked if you wish to establish Chrome as your default browser. Proceed by clicking the "Next" button and then selecting Google Chrome from the provided list.

The default program settings can be modified at a later time through the Default Programs control panel. Access this panel by typing "Default Programs" at the Start screen and pressing Enter.

Reverting to Internet Explorer

Within the Default Programs window, locate Google Chrome in the list and select the "Set this program as default" option. To reinstate Internet Explorer as the default browser for the Metro interface, simply select Internet Explorer from the same window and designate it as your default.

Experiencing Chrome in the New Metro Environment

Once a browser is designated as the default, a modified Metro-style icon will appear on your Start screen. The Internet Explorer Metro icon will revert to a desktop representation, launching the desktop application upon selection. Launching Google Chrome from the desktop will similarly initiate the desktop version, rather than the Metro interface.