Do you want to change your default search engine to Google or DuckDuckGo? Let’s learn how to set default search engine easily in Microsoft Edge.
Just installed the latest Microsoft Edge or updated to the 2025 version? You’ve probably noticed that Bing is the default search engine. While Bing’s AI-powered Bing Chat brings quick answers, image generation, and smart suggestions, many users still prefer Google, DuckDuckGo, or other providers they’ve used for years.
That’s completely understandable — habits form over time, and when you’re used to typing something into the address bar and seeing familiar Google results, it can feel awkward to suddenly be using Bing.
Why Bing is the Built-In Search Engine for Edge
Let’s start with the obvious question: Why Bing?
Microsoft Edge is developed by Microsoft, so it ships with Bing as the default. The integration isn’t random — Bing is deeply tied into Microsoft Edge default search engine settings and is also connected to AI features like Bing Chat.
Here’s the business side of it: Search engines make money when you click ads, and by keeping Bing as the default, Microsoft drives more people into its search ecosystem.
But user preference still matters. And looking at the real-time market numbers from mid-2025:
- Google commands about 89.5% of the global search market
- Bing sits at around 4% worldwide and 7.5% in the U.S.
- Microsoft Edge holds 5.23% of the worldwide browser market, but jumps to 13.8% on desktop, making it the second most popular desktop browser after Chrome
So, while Bing has its loyal base, most people prefer Google or another search engine. If that’s you, let’s make the switch.
Step-by-Step Guide: Changing Your Default Search Engine in Edge
This is the most important section — and thankfully, the steps are short and sweet.
- Open Microsoft Edge.
You can find the Edge icon in your Start Menu, taskbar, or desktop. - Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
Microsoft calls this menu Settings and more. - From the dropdown, click Settings.
- In the left-hand panel, choose Privacy, search, and services.
This is where you’ll find most of Edge’s search-related controls. - Scroll down to the Services section and click Address bar and search.
- Under Search engine used in the address bar, pick your preferred option from the dropdown menu.
Pro Tip: If you don’t see your favorite search engine, don’t panic — watch this step-by-step video tutorial to learn how to add it and set it as your default in Microsoft Edge.
Adding a New Search Engine to Edge (If It’s Not Listed)
Sometimes your preferred search engine won’t be in the dropdown menu. This is especially true for smaller or privacy-focused search engines. That’s where OpenSearch technology comes in.
Here’s how to add it:
- Go to the search engine’s homepage — for example, google.com, duckduckgo.com, startpage.com, or yahoo.com.
- Perform a search from the address bar. This triggers Edge to detect the engine’s search URL pattern.
- Go back to Settings → Privacy, search, and services → Address bar and search.
- Open the dropdown again — your new search engine should now be visible. Select it.
Manual Method:
If you still don’t see it, go to Manage search engines. Click Add and fill in the details:
- Search engine name: (e.g., Google Search)
- Keyword: (short trigger word like “g”)
- URL with %s in place of query: This is the search URL pattern. For Google, it’s: perlCopyEdit
https://www.google.com/search?q=%s
This manual method is also great if you want to set Google as homepage and search engine in Edge at the same time.
Switching from Bing to Google in Microsoft Edge
One of the most searched queries online is how to change Bing to Google on Edge — and it’s easy:
- Follow the steps in the “Change Default Search Engine” section above.
- Choose Google from the dropdown menu.
- If you want a full Google experience, also change your homepage:
- Go to Settings → Start, home, and new tabs
- Under When Edge starts, choose Open these pages and enter
https://www.google.com
Now you’ve fully set Google as default search engine Edge and homepage.
Changing Search Engine for New Tabs in Edge
Here’s something that confuses a lot of people: You change your default search engine, but when you open a new tab, it still uses Bing.
That’s because the new tab page is a separate feature with its own search setting.
Two ways to fix it:
Option 1 – Extensions
Install an extension like New Tab Redirect from the Microsoft Edge Add-ons store. Set it to open your preferred search engine page whenever you create a new tab.
Option 2 – Customize New Tab Page
Go to Settings → New tab page → Customize and set a custom URL to your preferred search engine.
Once you do this, you’ve solved the how to change new tab search engine in Edge issue permanently.
Troubleshooting: When You Can’t Change Your Search Engine
Sometimes Edge will stubbornly revert back to Bing no matter what you do. Common reasons include:
- Work or school policies: Your device is managed by an IT administrator who has locked the search settings.
- Malware or browser hijackers: Certain adware programs can reset your search engine to something you didn’t choose.
- Sync conflicts: If you’re signed into Edge with your Microsoft account, sync might overwrite your local changes with older settings from another device.
How to Fix It:
- Pause sync temporarily to see if the setting sticks.
- Go to Extensions and remove any you don’t recognize or that change search behavior.
- Run a full system malware scan.
- If it’s a work or school device, check with your IT admin — you might not have permission to change it.
These fixes cover why does Edge keep changing my search engine to Bing and can’t change default search engine in Edge situations.
FAQ – People Also Ask
How do I change my search engine on Microsoft Edge to Google?
Go to Settings → Privacy, search, and services → Address bar and search → Select Google. Then, change your homepage to Google under Start, home, and new tabs for a consistent experience.
Why is Bing my default search engine?
Because Microsoft owns both Edge and Bing, they set Bing as the default to promote their services. It’s fully integrated into Edge’s features, including Bing Chat.
How do I get rid of Bing on Edge?
Change both your default search engine and your homepage. If Bing still appears, also adjust your new tab settings and check for extensions that may reset it.
How do I change my default search engine on my laptop?
It depends on the browser you’re using. For Microsoft Edge, follow the step-by-step process outlined above.
How do I change the search engine on a new tab in Edge?
Use an extension like New Tab Redirect, or customize your new tab settings to load a specific search engine.
Final Thoughts: Take Control of Your Edge Searches
Whether you want Google, DuckDuckGo, or another OpenSearch-supported provider, Edge gives you the flexibility to browse the way you want.
With the steps above, you now know how to set default search engine in Edge, customize the address bar and search settings, and even fix issues where Microsoft Edge change search engine keeps reverting.
Take a few minutes to set it up today, and your browsing will feel faster, more familiar, and more in line with your preferences.
Useful Resources to Manage Your Default Search Engine in Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge Support – Change Default Search Engine: Official guide with steps to change and troubleshoot search engine settings in Edge.
Manage Search Engines in Edge: Learn how to add, remove, and customize search engines using OpenSearch technology.
DuckDuckGo: Privacy-focused search engine alternative, popular among users wanting more privacy.
Google Search Help: Tips and tricks to improve your Google search experience when set as default.
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