Set ChatGPT as Default Search Engine in Edge
Setting ChatGPT as your default search engine in Microsoft Edge lets you ask questions and get AI-powered answers right from the address bar.
Microsoft Edge, the web browser included with Windows 11, usually uses Bing for its search results. By changing this setting, your searches will go directly to ChatGPT.
You can easily add ChatGPT as your search engine by installing the official “ChatGPT Search” extension from the Edge Add-ons store. This extension works with Edge and other Chromium-based browsers.
Once installed, when you type a search query into Edge’s address bar, ChatGPT will provide a generative response, often with links to where it found the information.
Install the “ChatGPT Search” extension from the Edge Add-ons store and click “Add extension.” Alternatively, go to Edge settings, then Search engines, click Add, and input the ChatGPT URL. Finally, set ChatGPT as the default in the Search engines menu.
Set ChatGPT Search with its extension
To set ChatGPT as your default search engine in Microsoft Edge, use a special browser extension called ChatGPT Search. This extension lets you quickly search with ChatGPT right from the address bar, making it a convenient way to use ChatGPT for your everyday searches without extra steps.
First, open the ChatGPT Search extension page.
Then, click the Get button.
Click the Add extension button.
Otherwise, open the edge://extensions page and manually turn on the “ChatGPT Search” extension.
Set ChatGPT Search as default in Edge Settings
Alternatively, you can set ChatGPT as your default search engine directly through Edge’s settings, bypassing the need for an extension. This method gives you direct control over your browsing experience and search results.
First, open Edge and navigate to the settings page.
edge://settings/searchEngines
On the ‘Manage search engines’ page, click ‘Add’.
Enter the following details for ChatGPT:
Name: ChatGPT
Shortcut: @ChatGPT
URL query: https://chatgpt.com/?q=%s&hints=search
After adding it, click the three-dot menu and select ‘Make default’.
That should do it!
Conclusion:
Setting ChatGPT as your default search engine in Microsoft Edge on Windows 11 is a helpful way to boost your browsing. Here are the key takeaways:
- Install the ChatGPT Search Extension: Easily add the extension from the Chrome Web Store to start using ChatGPT for web searches.
- Enable the Extension: Ensure the extension is activated in Edge so that it can utilize its features without interruptions.
- Manual Settings Adjustment: For those who prefer not to use the extension, you can manually set ChatGPT as a search engine via Edge’s settings.
- Simple Configuration: Adding ChatGPT to your search engines involves filling in a few details, including name, shortcut, and URL query.
- Set as Default: Don’t forget to mark ChatGPT as your default search engine for seamless integration into your browsing routine.
With these steps, you’ll directly unlock the power of AI-assisted search in your browser!
Can I set ChatGPT as my default search engine?
You can set search on ChatGPT as your Chrome browser's default search by downloading and installing our Chrome Extension.
Does ChatGPT have its own search engine?
Traditional search engines provide a list of links for a query, whereas ChatGPT offers direct answers. In October 2024, ChatGPT introduced ChatGPT search, which delivers updated, live information — something missing from its original version.
Does ChatGPT search the web by default?
ChatGPT doesn’t always search the web by default, but it will automatically search if your question would benefit from current web information.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
As of my test today, the Plug In/Extension does not seem to be required to allow this. Maybe due to ChatGPT opening up their search function to all without an account required.
So the instructions from this heading down set it up for me on Edge:
Set ChatGPT Search as default in Edge Settings