How to Open Web Pages in the Default Browser from C#?

Opening URLs in the Default Browser from C# Applications

C# developers often need to open web links using the user's default browser. However, the built-in WebBrowser control often defaults to Internet Explorer, regardless of system settings. This article outlines solutions to overcome this limitation.

The Problem: WebBrowser Control's IE Dependency

The WebBrowser control in C# is essentially an embedded Internet Explorer instance. Links clicked within it will open in IE, even if another browser is set as the default.

Solutions: Launching URLs Externally

Two primary approaches exist to launch URLs in the default browser:

Method 1: Using System.Diagnostics.Process.Start

This straightforward method, suitable for .NET Framework applications, utilizes the Process.Start method to launch a new process, opening the URL in the system's default browser.

System.Diagnostics.Process.Start("http://google.com");

Method 2: Intercepting Navigation Events

This approach involves handling the Navigating event of the WebBrowser control. This allows intercepting link clicks and opening them externally.

private void WebBrowser_Navigating(object sender, WebBrowserNavigatingEventArgs e)
{
    System.Diagnostics.Process.Start(e.Url.ToString());
    e.Cancel = true; // Prevent the WebBrowser control from also opening the link
}

Here, the Navigating event is subscribed to. When a link is clicked, the event handler launches the URL in the default browser and cancels the default navigation behavior of the WebBrowser control using e.Cancel = true;.

By employing either method, C# developers can reliably open web links in the user's preferred default browser, irrespective of the WebBrowser control's inherent limitations.

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