How To Change Search Engine In Edge

In this guide we will guide you on how to change search engine in Edge

Microsoft Edge defaults to using Bing for searches you make directly in the address bar, both on desktop and mobile.

While Bing is a capable search engine, you might prefer Google, DuckDuckGo, or another service.

Thankfully, Edge makes it easy to switch your default search engine and personalize your Browse experience across your devices.

Why Change Your Search Engine?

You might switch search engines for several reasons:

1. Familiarity: You are used to the results layout or features of another search engine like Google.
2. Privacy: You prefer a privacy-focused search engine like DuckDuckGo that doesn’t track your searches.
3. Result Quality: You find that a different search engine provides results more relevant to your typical queries.
4. Consistency: You want the same search engine across your desktop and mobile devices.

Steps to Change Your Edge Search Engine (Desktop)

Follow these simple steps to set your preferred search engine in Microsoft Edge on your computer:

1. Open Microsoft Edge on your computer.
2. Click the three horizontal dots (...) located in the top-right corner of the browser window. This opens the main menu.
3. Select “Settings” from the dropdown menu.
4. In the Settings menu (usually on the left sidebar), click on “Privacy, Search and Services“.
5. Click on “Search and connected experiences“.
6. Click on “Address bar and search“.
7. Look for the option labeled “Search engine used in the address bar“. You will see a dropdown menu next to it, likely showing ‘Bing (Recommended, default)’.
8. Click the dropdown menu. Edge will display a list of search engines it automatically detected during your Browse (like Google, DuckDuckGo, Yahoo, etc.).
9. Select your preferred search engine from the list.

That’s it for the desktop! Edge will now use your chosen search engine whenever you type a search query directly into the address bar.

Note: It is recommended to use Bing search engine when using Microsoft Edge

Steps to Change Your Edge Search Engine (Mobile)

Changing the search engine on the Edge mobile app (iOS or Android) is just as straightforward:

1. Open the Microsoft Edge app on your phone or tablet.
2. Tap the three horizontal line menu button. This is usually located at the bottom center or top right of the screen.
3. Tap on “Settings” (look for the gear icon).
4. Under the “General” section (you might need to scroll slightly), tap on “Select search engine“
5. You will see a list of available search engines (e.g., Bing, Google, DuckDuckGo, Yahoo). Select the one you want to use as your default.
6. Then simply go back by clicking arrow – your selection saves automatically.

Now, any searches you type into the address/search bar at the top or bottom of the Edge mobile app will use your newly selected default engine.

What If Your Preferred Search Engine Isn’t Listed?

Sometimes, the search engine you want to use might not appear in the dropdown list initially (this is more common on desktop).

Edge needs to detect the search engine first. Here’s how to add it:

1. Visit the search engine’s website (e.g., go to duckduckgo.com or google.com).
2. Perform a search on that website. This helps Edge recognize its search functionality.
3. Go back to the Edge Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Address bar and search page (Desktop) or Settings > General > Search > Default search engine (Mobile) as described in the steps above.
4. Check the list of search engines again. Your recently visited and used search engine should now appear for you to select.
5. On Desktop, if it still doesn’t appear, click on “Manage search engines” settings page. Here you can manually add or remove search engines, though visiting the site usually works automatically. Mobile versions typically only show pre-approved/detected options.

Read also: How to fix Microsoft Edge crashing issues

Enjoy Your Personalized Search Experience

Changing your default search engine in Microsoft Edge, whether on desktop or mobile, is a quick process that puts you in charge of how you find information online.

Whether you prioritize privacy, familiarity, or specific features, tailoring Edge to your preferred search service takes just a few taps or clicks.

For further information:

• Learn more about Microsoft Edge settings directly from the official Microsoft Edge support page.
• Explore a privacy-focused alternative like DuckDuckGo.
• Revisit the familiar interface of Google Search.

Zachary Allen 'The Geek'

IT Security / Cyber Security Experts.
Technology Enthusiasm.
Love to read, test and write about IT, Cyber Security and Technology.
The Geek coming from the things I love and how I look.