Microsoft Edge uses Bing as its default search engine. That means when you type a search into the address bar, Edge normally sends that search to Bing.
If you prefer to use Google, DuckDuckGo, Yahoo, or another search engine, you can change that setting without switching browsers.
Changing your default search engine does not mean you are changing Microsoft Edge itself. Edge is the browser; Bing, Google, DuckDuckGo, and others are search engines.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to change the default search engine in Microsoft Edge, what the setting affects, and what to check if the change does not seem to work.
What Is a Default Search Engine?
A search engine is a service that helps you find information on the internet.
Common search engines include:
- Bing
- DuckDuckGo
- Yahoo
Your default search engine is the one your browser automatically uses when you type a search into the address bar.
For example, if Bing is your default search engine and you type how to take a screenshot into the Edge address bar, Edge sends that search to Bing. If you change the default to Google, the same search will be sent to Google instead.
Browser vs. Search Engine
These two things are often confused.
Microsoft Edge is a web browser. Bing is a search engine.
Similarly, Google Chrome is a web browser. Google Search is a search engine.
You can use Google Search inside Microsoft Edge, and you can use Bing inside Google Chrome.
The browser and search engine are separate tools.
Watch: How to Change the Default Search Engine in Microsoft Edge
Prefer to see the steps in action? Use the video above for a quick walkthrough, or follow the written instructions below.
How to Change the Default Search Engine in Microsoft Edge
To change the default search engine:
Open Microsoft Edge, click the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner, and click on Settings.
Click on Privacy, search, and services on the left-side menu, then click on find Search and connected experiences.
Click on Address bar and search.
Find Search engine used in address bar.
Open the dropdown menu and click on the search engine you want to use.
Using Search Settings
Depending on your version of Edge, the wording or location of these settings may change slightly over time.
If you have trouble finding the option, use the Search settings box at the top of Edge Settings and search for: search engine. Locate the dropdown menu and change the default search engine right from the search results.
What Happens After You Change It?
Once you select a different search engine, searches typed into the Edge address bar should use that search engine.
For example, if you select Google and type weather tomorrow into the address bar, Edge should show Google search results instead of Bing results.
You do not need to restart your computer.
What This Setting Does Not Change
Changing your default search engine does not change everything about Microsoft Edge.
It does not:
- uninstall Edge
- install a different browser
- change Edge into Google Chrome
- remove Bing from your computer
- necessarily change your homepage
- necessarily change every search box you see in Microsoft services
The setting mainly controls which search engine Edge uses for searches entered into the address bar.
Address Bar vs. New Tab Page Search
This is where things can become a little confusing.
The address bar is the bar at the top of Edge where you can type either a website address or a search.
The New Tab page may also include its own search box.
Depending on your Edge settings, the search box on the New Tab page may behave differently from the address bar.
If you changed your default search engine but the New Tab page still seems to use Bing, look for a setting related to how new-tab searches work.
In Address bar and search, you may see an option similar to: Search on new tabs uses search box or address bar
If you want your selected default search engine to be used more consistently, choose Address bar where available.
That way, typing into the New Tab page can route the search through the address bar and use your selected search engine.
What If the Search Engine I Want Is Not Listed?
If your preferred search engine does not appear in the dropdown, try visiting the search engine in Edge and performing a search.
For example:
- Go to Google.
- Search for something.
- Return to Edge Settings.
- Check the list again.
Edge may automatically recognize and add search engines you have used.
There is also a Manage search engines area where you can add or edit search engines manually.
That is a more advanced option and usually is not necessary for common services such as Google, Bing, Yahoo, or DuckDuckGo.
How to Change Back to Bing
You can change the setting again at any time.
Return to: Edge → Settings → Privacy, search, and services → Search and connected experiences → Address bar and search
Then choose Bing from the Search engine used in address bar dropdown.
Nothing is permanent, so you can try a different search engine and switch back later if you prefer.
Which Search Engine Should You Use?
There is no single search engine that is best for everyone.
You may choose based on personal preference, privacy, familiarity, or the services you already use.
Bing
Bing is Microsoft’s search engine and the default option in Edge.
Google is a widely used general-purpose search engine.
DuckDuckGo
DuckDuckGo places more emphasis on privacy and reducing personal tracking.
Yahoo
Yahoo is another long-standing search option.
You can try more than one and decide which results and experience you prefer.
What If the Change Does Not Seem to Work?
If your search engine still looks unchanged, try these steps:
- Make sure you are typing the search into the address bar
- Check the New Tab page search setting
- Confirm that your preferred search engine is still selected in Settings
- Close and reopen Edge
- Check for Edge updates if your settings look significantly different
It can also help to test with a simple search and look at the search-results page to confirm which engine is being used.
Why This Setting Is Useful
Understanding this setting helps reinforce an important internet-basic concept: Your browser and search engine are separate tools.
Microsoft Edge is the browser. Bing, Google, DuckDuckGo, Yahoo, and others are search engines.
You can keep using Edge while choosing whichever search engine you prefer.
Once you understand that distinction, it becomes much easier to customize your browser and understand instructions involving browsers, search engines, address bars, and search settings.
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