How to Change Default Search Engine in Microsoft Edge

This article explains how to change the default search engine used in the address bar in the Microsoft Edge browser.

Microsoft Edge browser is the default browser in Windows 11. However, users can  switch to their preferred or favorite browser anytime. Edge is based on Chromium, similar to Google Chrome and other Chromium-based browsers today.

Microsoft Edge browser will assign Bing as its default search engine for the address bar. However, you can change the default search engine to any site that uses OpenSearch technology.

Why Change Your Search Engine?

Keeping Bing as your default search engine provides an enhanced search experience. You’ll get direct links to Windows apps, relevant suggestions from your organization if you’re signed in with a work or school account, and instant answers to questions about Windows.

If you want to use another search engine as your default, follow the steps below to change the address bar search engine in Microsoft Edge.

How to Change the Default Address Bar Search Engine

Step 1: Open Microsoft Edge

First, open the Microsoft Edge browser.

Step 2: Go to Settings

Click on Setting and more (Alt+F) — the 3 horizontal dots button on the top right corner. Then select Settings.

Step 3: Navigate to Privacy and Search Settings

On the Settings page, look at the left panel. Click on Privacy, search, and services.

Step 4: Expand Address Bar Settings

Scroll down to the middle section. Under Services, click the Address bar and search tile to expand it.

Step 5: Choose Your Search Engine

Next, choose your preferred search engine from the Search engine used in the address bar menu. These options are currently available:

• Bing (Recommended default)
• Yahoo!
• Google
• DuckDuckGo

More options may be added to the list in the future.

Step 6: Add a Custom Search Engine (Optional)

To add a different search engine not listed above, go to Settings and more > Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Address bar and search.

Then select the Manage search engines tile to expand it. On the Manage search engines page, select the search engine on the list and click the More actions (3 dots) button.

Next, make it the default, edit it, or click Remove to remove it from Edge.

Step 7: Your Changes Apply Immediately

Your changes should apply right away. You’re all set!

What Happens When You Change Your Search Engine?

Once you change your default search engine, every time you type in the address bar, your new search engine will handle your searches instead of Bing. Your browser will remember this choice and use it until you change it again.

Reference

Microsoft.com

Summary

Microsoft Edge offers an easy way to change your default search engine for the address bar. You can choose from popular search engines like Bing, Yahoo!, Google, and DuckDuckGo. Simply go to Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Address bar and search and select your preferred search engine from the menu. If you want to use a search engine not on the list, you can add it through the Manage search engines feature. Your changes will take effect immediately, giving you a more personalized browsing experience in Microsoft Edge.