Microsoft Edge is a web browser developed by Microsoft that has gained popularity since its launch in 2015. One of the features of this web browser is the ability to change the default search engine. This article will walk you through the process of changing the default search engine on Microsoft Edge for desktop and mobile.
Understanding Default Search Engines
Before we dive into the process of changing your default search engine, it is essential to understand what a default search engine is and why it is important.
What is a Default Search Engine?
A default search engine is the search engine that is used by your web browser to generate search results when you enter a query into the search bar. For Microsoft Edge, the default search engine is Bing.
Why Change Your Default Search Engine?
Bing is a credible and effective search engine. However, you may prefer to use a different search engine, such as Google or DuckDuckGo. Changing your default search engine can save you time and provide a better experience if your preferred search engine provides better results for your searches.
Preparing to Change Your Default Search Engine
Changing your default search engine is a great way to personalize your browsing experience and get the results you want faster. However, before you make the switch, there are a few things you need to do to prepare.
Updating Microsoft Edge
Before you can change your default search engine, you need to make sure you have the latest version of Microsoft Edge. This will ensure that you have access to all of the latest features, including the ability to change your default search engine. Here's how to check for updates:
Open Microsoft Edge on your desktop or mobile device.
Click on the three dots in the top right of the screen to open the menu.
Select Help & feedback, then About Microsoft Edge.
Edge will start checking for updates. If there are updates available, Edge will automatically download and install them.
Once you have the latest version of Microsoft Edge installed, you're ready to start exploring alternative search engines.
Exploring Alternative Search Engines
There are many different search engines to choose from, each with its own unique features and benefits. Before you make the switch to a new default search engine, it's important to do your research and find one that meets your needs. Here are some popular search engines to consider:
Google: Google is the most popular search engine in the world, and for good reason. It's fast, accurate, and provides a wide range of results.
Yahoo: Yahoo is another popular search engine that offers a variety of features, including news, email, and more.
DuckDuckGo: DuckDuckGo is a privacy-focused search engine that doesn't track your searches or collect your personal information.
When choosing a new default search engine, it's important to consider factors like speed, accuracy, and privacy. Take the time to explore your options and find the one that's right for you.
By following these steps and doing your research, you'll be well on your way to changing your default search engine and getting the results you want.
Changing Default Search Engine on Microsoft Edge for Desktop
If you're using Microsoft Edge on a desktop device, you may want to change your default search engine to something that better suits your needs. By default, Microsoft Edge uses Bing as its search engine, but you can easily change it to Google, Yahoo, or any other search engine of your choice. Here's how:
Accessing Microsoft Edge Settings
To access Microsoft Edge settings, simply click on the three dots in the top-right corner of the screen and select Settings from the drop-down menu. This will bring up the Microsoft Edge settings menu, where you can customize various aspects of your browsing experience.
Navigating to the Search Engine Settings
Once you're in the settings menu, scroll down until you find the section labeled 'Privacy and services'. This section contains various options related to your privacy and browsing preferences. To change your default search engine, click on 'Address bar and search'.
Here, you will find a range of settings related to your search engine preferences. You can choose to show search suggestions as you type, use a different search engine for private browsing, and more. However, for the purposes of this tutorial, we'll focus on changing your default search engine.
Selecting a New Default Search Engine
In the 'Address bar and search' settings, locate the 'Search engine used in the address bar' dropdown menu. This is where you can select the search engine you'd like to use as your default. The dropdown menu contains a range of popular search engines, including Google, Yahoo, and DuckDuckGo.
Simply select the search engine you'd like to use, and Microsoft Edge will automatically set it as your new default search engine. From now on, any searches you perform using the address bar will use your chosen search engine by default.
It's worth noting that you can still use Bing or any other search engine at any time by simply navigating to their website and performing a search. However, changing your default search engine can save you time and effort in the long run, especially if you prefer a particular search engine over others.
So there you have it – a quick and easy guide to changing your default search engine on Microsoft Edge for desktop. With just a few clicks, you can customize your browsing experience and make it more tailored to your needs.
Changing Default Search Engine on Microsoft Edge for Mobile
If you're using Microsoft Edge on a mobile device, follow the steps below to change your default search engine.
Accessing Microsoft Edge Settings on Mobile
Launch Microsoft Edge and click on the three dots in the bottom-right corner of the screen to open the menu. Select Settings from the drop-down menu.
Navigating to the Search Engine Settings on Mobile
In the settings menu, scroll down until you find the 'Search engine' section and click on 'Change search engine'.
Selecting a New Default Search Engine on Mobile
Select the search engine you want from the list of available options. Microsoft Edge will automatically set it as your new default search engine.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you encounter issues when changing your default search engine, try the following troubleshooting steps.
Default Search Engine Not Changing
If you select a new default search engine, but the search results continue to come from your old search engine, try restarting Microsoft Edge. If restarting doesn't work, try restarting your device to reset the settings.
Search Engine Not Available in List
If your preferred search engine is not currently listed as an option, try installing a browser extension. Many search engines offer a browser extension that will add their search engine to the list of options available in Microsoft Edge.
Restoring Default Search Engine Settings
If you make a mistake when changing your default search engine, or want to switch back to the original search engine, simply follow the steps above and select the original search engine as the default option.
Conclusion
Changing your default search engine is a simple and effective way to customize your browsing experience on Microsoft Edge. By following the steps outlined above, you can switch to your preferred search engine and enjoy faster, more accurate search results.