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.

The 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.

The 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.

Keeping Bing as your default search engine provides an enhanced search experience, including 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, below is how to change the address bar search engine in the Microsoft Edge browser.

Change the default address bar search engine in the Microsoft Edge browser

As mentioned above, keeping Bing as your default search engine provides an enhanced search experience, including 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.

Here’s how to change the default search engine in Edge.

First, open the Microsoft Edge browser.

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

On the Settings page on the left panel, click Privacy, search, and privacy.

At the bottom of the middle section, under Services, click the Address bar and search tile to expand it.

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 may be added to the list in the future.

To add a different search engine not listed above to perform a search in the address bar, 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, or click Remove to remove it from Edge.

Your changes should apply immediately.

That should do it!

Reference:

Microsoft.com

Conclusion:

• Microsoft Edge browser offers the flexibility to change the default search engine for the address bar, allowing users to tailor their browsing experience to their preferences.
• With easy access to settings, users can choose from popular search engines like Bing, Yahoo!, Google, and DuckDuckGo or even manage additional search engines through the “Manage search engines” feature.
• Users can enhance their search experience by selecting a default search engine that aligns with their search habits and preferences.
• Following the simple steps outlined, users can seamlessly modify the address bar search engine, providing a more personalized and efficient browsing experience in Microsoft Edge.