How to Change your default search engine in Microsoft Edge

Step 1Use the Search Engine You Want First

Edge requires the search 🔍 engine to be visited at least once before it appears as an available option. Performing a quick search first lets the browser register the provider.

Proceed with these actions:

1. Open Microsoft Edge.
2. Click on the address bar at the top of the browser. This is where you usually type website addresses or search words.
3. Type something you want to search for using the search 🔍 engine you want to set as default. For example, if you want to use Google, type “weather today” into the address bar and press Enter. Edge will then use Google to perform your search.

Step 2Go to Edge’s Settings

Opening the browser settings menu provides access to configuration options.

Complete these steps:

1. With Edge open (it doesn't have to be on the search results page from Step 1), look for the three dots in the top-right corner of the browser window. These three dots open the 'Settings and more' menu.
2. Click on those three dots. A menu will pop down.
3. From the menu, choose Settings.

Step 3Find the "Address bar and search" Settings

The main Settings screen displays a navigation menu on the left. Click Privacy, search, and services from this list.

Navigate to the correct section using these instructions:

1. In the left-side menu of the Settings tab, click on Privacy, search, and services. This section lets you control how Edge handles your information and browsing.
2. Scroll all the way down to the bottom of the "Privacy, search, and services" page. Keep scrolling until you see a section called Search and connected experiences.
3. In the "Services" section, find and click on Address bar and search. This is the setting we need to change.

Step 4Pick Your New Default Search Engine

This final menu configures which search engine handles queries entered in the address bar.

Apply the final change with this step:

1. On the "Address bar and search" page, you will see an option called Address bar and search.
2. To its right, you'll find a dropdown menu. Click on this menu.
3. You should see a list of search engines that Edge knows. Since you searched using your preferred engine in Step 1, it should be in this list. Choose the search engine you want to be your new default from the dropdown.

The chosen search engine now functions as the default for the address bar in Microsoft Edge. Entering a search query and pressing Enter routes the request through this newly selected provider.

Summary

Configuring the default search engine in Microsoft Edge requires visiting the provider's website first so the browser recognizes it. Opening Edge Settings, navigating to Privacy, search, and services, and selecting Address bar and search completes the configuration. Selecting the preferred provider from the dropdown menu finalizes the adjustment and customizes the browsing experience.