How to Change Search Engine in Edge

Learning How To Change Search Engine In Edge is essential if you prefer Google or DuckDuckGo over the default Bing experience.

While Microsoft naturally integrates its own ecosystem, switching your browser’s default preferences is a straightforward process that gives you total control over your search results and online privacy.

Step-by-Step Guide: How To Change Search Engine In Edge (Desktop)

For Windows and Mac users, the setting is buried deep within the privacy menu. Follow these precise steps to ensure the change sticks.

1. Click the three-dot menu icon (…). Then click Settings.
2. Navigate to Privacy, search, and services > Search and connected experiences > Address bar and search.
3. Find the option labeled Search engine used in the address bar.
4. Click the dropdown menu next to it. You will see a list of available engines, typically including Bing, Yahoo, Google, and DuckDuckGo. Select your desired provider.

Changing the Search Engine on Edge Mobile (Android & iOS)

The process for mobile devices differs slightly from the desktop version.

1. Open the Microsoft Edge app on your phone.
2. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom right.
3. Tap Settings.
4. Select General -> Select search engine.
5. Tap on your preferred engine to save the selection.

Why Switch From Bing?

Microsoft Edge is a Chromium-based browser, meaning it is fast, secure, and compatible with Chrome extensions. However, many users find

• the forced integration of Bing frustrating due to different ranking algorithms or interface preferences
• opening a new tab still shows in search bar

By updating these settings, you can combine the performance of Edge with the familiarity of Google.

The Critical “New Tab” Fix

Many users ask How To Change Search Engine In Edge only to find that opening a New Tab still shows a Bing search bar.

To fix this, look at the setting immediately below the dropdown menu labeled: “Search on new tabs uses search box or address bar.”

• Change this setting from Search box to Address bar.

If you skip this step, typing in the large box in the center of a new tab will still send your query to Bing. By changing it to “Address bar,” Edge forces the center box to mirror your default choice (Google).

How to Remove Unwanted Search Engines

If your browser is cluttered with engines you don’t use—or if malware has added a redirect like “Ask” or “Yahoo”—you should clean up the list.

1. On the same Address bar and search page, click Manage search engines.
2. You will see a list of all installed providers.
3. Click the three dots (…) next to the engine you want to remove.
4. Select Delete.

This ensures that your browser doesn’t accidentally toggle back to an inferior provider.

Troubleshooting: Why Is the Option Grayed Out?

Sometimes, you may follow the steps above only to find the dropdown menu is locked or grayed out. This is a common issue caused by conflicting software.

• Check for Rogue Extensions: Some third-party extensions (often installed alongside free software) hijack your search settings. Go to edge://extensions and disable any extension you do not recognize. Once disabled, the search engine menu should unlock.
• “Managed by Organization”: If you are using a work or school computer, your IT administrator may have enforced a Group Policy that mandates Bing. In this case, you will see a briefcase icon next to the setting, indicating you cannot change it without admin privileges.

Advanced Tip: Using Search Keywords (Shortcuts)

You don’t always have to change your default engine to search elsewhere. Edge supports Search Keywords, a feature that allows you to “switch” engines on the fly using shortcuts.

1. Go to Manage search engines.
2. Look at the Keyword column. You will see shortcuts like bing.com or google.com.
3. You can edit these to be shorter. For example, change Google’s keyword to just g.
4. How to use it: Now, simply type g followed by a space in your address bar. The bar will turn blue and say “Search Google.” Type your query and hit Enter. This is the fastest way to use multiple engines without digging through settings.

Understanding the Edge Sidebar

It is important to note that changing your default search engine does not affect the Edge Sidebar (the panel on the right side of the screen).

Microsoft has hard-coded the Sidebar to use Bing and Copilot AI.

If you want to stop accidentally searching in Bing via the sidebar, you can hide it by clicking the Settings (gear icon) at the bottom of the sidebar and selecting Hide Sidebar.

The Right-Click “Context Menu” Nuance

One detail most guides overlook is how this setting affects your right-click menu. When you highlight text on a webpage and right-click it:

• “Search for [text]”: This option will update to match your new default engine (e.g., “Search Google for ‘change edge settings'”).
• “Ask Copilot”: This option usually remains pinned to the menu and will always use Microsoft’s AI (Bing), regardless of your default engine choice.

If you rely on the right-click menu for quick research, rest assured that the primary search function respects your new settings.

Does This Sync Across Devices?

If you use Microsoft Edge on multiple computers (like a desktop and a laptop) and are signed in with the same Microsoft account, this setting should sync automatically, provided you have “Settings” syncing enabled.

To verify this, go to Settings > Profiles > Sync and ensure the toggle for Settings is turned on. This saves you from having to repeat this process on every new device you set up.

One Important Trade-off: Microsoft Rewards

Before you finalize the switch, be aware of one “hidden cost.” Many users utilize Bing to earn Microsoft Rewards points, which can be redeemed for gift cards.

• The Impact: Searches performed via Google or DuckDuckGo do not earn points.
• The Workaround: If you still want to earn points, you can leave Bing as your default and use the “Search Keywords” tip mentioned earlier (typing g for Google) only when you need deeper results. This allows you to passively earn points for simple queries while using Google for complex research.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

Taking control of your browser configuration is the first step toward a smoother internet experience. Now that you have mastered the steps on How To Change Search Engine In Edge, you can enjoy a browsing experience tailored to your specific needs without being forced into an ecosystem you didn’t choose.

Whether you prioritize Google’s accuracy or DuckDuckGo’s strict privacy protocols, take a moment to configure your settings today.

If this guide helped you solve the “Bing New Tab” frustration, please share this post with friends or leave a comment below!

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.