How do I set my development web browser in VS2010

Question

I don't like to use IE for my system default web browser.

but

I do want to set IE as my browser in VS2010 because it works a little nicer for debugging and I like to develop to the lowest common denominator. (jab, lol)... anyhow, can I default to debugging against IE?

I know in VS2008 you just had to "Browse With..." on an .aspx page. But that option doesn't exist in VS2010 RC. What gives?

Answer 1

The 'Browse With' option does exist. But it is shown in context menu of a file\folder and not in a context menu of whole web application.

You may setup default browser there.

Answer 2

This is for VS2008, but should apply just as well to VS2010.

You have several options.

Go to the web project properties to the "web" tab.

Option 1:

• Under "Start Action", select "Start External Program" and set the path to your browser of choice, pass the URL in through the command line parameters

Option 2:

• Setup your machine to use your browser of choice as the default browser.
• Under "Start Action", select "Start URL". This will invoke the default browser.

Answer 3

The "World of VS Default Browser Switcher" vs2010 extension will select your desired browser for you and it works with MVC too. This is a free extension :)

http://visualstudiogallery.msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/bb424812-f742-41ef-974a-cdac607df921

It was originally built based on a post by Scott Hanselman http://www.hanselman.com/blog/HowToChangeTheDefaultBrowserInVisualStudioProgrammaticallyWithPowerShellAndPossiblyPokeYourselfInTheEye.aspx

Answer 4

Hey just found you can do this in VS2010.

Right click the Web Project and go to 'Browse With' - Set the default browser in here.

Answer 5

"Browse With..." Will not show up when you are in debug mode, FYI. That's probably why you think it's missing.

Answer 6

No, Tim is right. The 'Browse With' option DOES show in VS2010 - at least in VS2010 Pro.