In previous versions of Mac OS X you defined the default browser inside of Safari. In Mac OS X you set the default browser inside of System Preferences -> General -> Default web browser.

Step 1: Open Up System Preferences and click on the “General” icon

Mac-OS-X-Yosemite-set-default-browser-System-Preferences

Step 2: Select your default browser. I am switching from Safari to Google Chrome Canary

Mac-OS-X-Yosemite-set-default-browser-Default-web-browser

Now when you get a link in your email or any other place your new default browser will open up. Happy web surfin’.