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How to Change the Default Search Engine in Microsoft Edge
Edited 1 week ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team
Microsoft EdgeWindowsMacLinuxSearch EngineSettingsBrowsingCustomizationPreferencesGoogleBingConfiguration
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Changing the default search engine in Microsoft Edge can help you personalize your browsing experience according to your needs and preferences. By default, Microsoft Edge uses Bing as the search engine. However, you may prefer to use other search engines such as Google, DuckDuckGo, Yahoo or any other search engine you find useful. In this detailed guide, we will explain how you can change the default search engine in Microsoft Edge step by step. This explanation will be straightforward and easy to understand, even if you are not very familiar with technology.
Understanding Microsoft Edge and the default search engine
Microsoft Edge is a web browser developed by Microsoft. It is the default browser on the Windows operating system. Like any other web browser, Edge allows you to search the web using a search engine. A search engine is a tool that helps you find information on the Internet. The default search engine is the one that the browser automatically uses for your web searches. If you type a query in the address bar and press "Enter", the search results will appear from the default search engine. By changing the default search engine, you can ensure that these searches are performed using your preferred engine.
Why change the default search engine?
There are several reasons why you might want to change the default search engine:
- Personal preference: You may have a favorite search engine that you trust or find more convenient to use.
- Better search results: Different search engines give different results. Some people find that certain search engines give better results for the searches they perform.
- Privacy concerns: Some people choose search engines that promise not to track your search habits or keep your search data.
- Additional features: Some search engines offer features or integrations that others do not. For example, image search capabilities, search result customization, etc.
Steps to change the default search engine in Microsoft Edge
To change the default search engine in Microsoft Edge, follow these easy steps:
Step 1: Open Microsoft Edge
The first step is to open the Microsoft Edge browser on your computer. You can do this by finding the Edge icon on your desktop or Start menu and clicking on it.
Step 2: Access Edge settings
Once you open Edge, look towards the top right corner of the window. You will find three dots (...). This is the "Settings and more" option. Click on these three dots, and a dropdown menu will appear.
Step 3: Go to “Settings”
In the dropdown menu that appears, find "Settings" and click on it. It's usually towards the bottom of the list.
Step 4: Select "Privacy, Search, and Services"
After entering the Settings menu, look for the option “Privacy, Search, and Services” on the left sidebar. Click on it to open another menu related to privacy and search options.
Step 5: Find the "Address bar and search" setting
Scroll down in the "Privacy, Search, and Services" section until you find a header called "Services." Under this header, you will see an option called "Address bar and search." Click on it to proceed to the search settings.
Step 6: Change your default search engine
In the "Address bar and search" settings, you will see a section called "Search engines used in the address bar." Here, you can view and manage the search engines available in Edge. To change the default search engine, click the drop-down menu under the "Search engines used in the address bar" section. You will see a list of search engines that Microsoft Edge currently supports.
Select the search engine you want to make your default. For example, if you want Google to be your default search engine, click "Google." If the search engine you want is not listed, you may have to add it manually. Instructions for doing this are in the next step.
Step 7: Add the new search engine (if needed)
If the desired search engine is not listed in the drop-down menu, you can add it manually. In the "Manage Search Engines" section, you will find the option to "Add" a new search engine. Click on it to enter the details of the new search engine.
You will need to provide the name, keywords, and URL for the search engine. For example, to add DuckDuckGo as your search engine, you can fill in the following details:
- Name: DuckDuckGo
- Keyword: duck
- URL with %s in place of query:
https://duckduckgo.com/?q=%s
Once you have entered the details, click "Add". Your new search engine will now appear in the list, and you can select it as the default using the method described in Step 6.
Testing the new default search engine
After changing the default search engine, it's a good idea to test it to make sure everything is working as expected. Simply type a search term in the Edge address bar and press "Enter." You should see search results from the new default search engine you chose. Make sure the results are showing correctly and the search engine is being used for all your queries.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter any problems when trying to change search engines, consider the following troubleshooting tips:
- Make sure you have a stable internet connection, as a poor connection may cause the settings to not update correctly.
- Verify that you're using the latest version of Microsoft Edge. Older versions may not have the same setting options.
- If a search engine does not appear in the list, make sure the URL is entered correctly when adding a new search engine.
- Restart the Microsoft Edge browser to apply any changes you made to the settings.
Conclusion
Changing the default search engine in Microsoft Edge is a straightforward process that allows you to customize your web browsing experience to suit your preferences. Whether you prefer a particular search engine because of its more relevant results, privacy features, or simply out of habit, being able to set it as your default is an important feature. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you will be able to easily change the default search engine in Microsoft Edge without any complications.
Experiment with different search engines to choose the best search engine for you and get the most out of your browsing experience by making sure your tools are tailored to your needs. Remember, if your needs or preferences change over time, you can always change the default search engine again.
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