Windows 10 cannot retain default browser

We are on a domain with Win10 1809 v.10.0.17763.720. The original WIM file has Chrome set as the default browser. But every time a system restarts, it reverts back to IE11. I have checked the DefaultAppAssociation.xml and DefaultFileAssociation.xml and confirmed that Chrome is the default. This has happened recently. I have removed whatever Windows updates that were installed recently with no change. So, when ever we open Chrome for the 1st time that day, we need to "Set as Default" every day. Any insight to this ?

- - - Updated - - -

Upgrading to 1903 for the 3000+ corporate systems is NOT an option right now (even though I have asked to take this route).

[SOLVED] Setting Default browser to chrome in Windows 10 - Spiceworks
Make Chrome default browser (Windows 10) - Google Chrome Enterprise Help

Delete defaultassociations.xml from your Test Bench machine and see if the DC GPO will set Chrome as default. https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/pre...ectedfrom=MSDN
SetDefaultBrowser – Set the Default Browser per command line or script – the kolbicz blog