Windows 11 comes preloaded with Microsoft Edge and Bing as the default web search experience. While Bing has improved over the years, many users prefer using Google, DuckDuckGo, or Yahoo as their primary search engine.
If you’ve been wondering how to change search engine on Windows 11, this guide is for you. We’ll walk you through every method — from changing your search engine in Microsoft Edge to adjusting Windows Search results and even setting your preferred browser to use your favorite search tool.
Why Change Your Search Engine in Windows 11?
By default, Windows 11 is tightly integrated with Microsoft services like Edge and Bing. But not everyone prefers that ecosystem. You might want to switch for several reasons:
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🌍 You prefer Google or DuckDuckGo for more accurate or private results.
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🧭 You want consistent results across devices and browsers.
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🔐 You value privacy — DuckDuckGo and Startpage don’t track user data.
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⚡ You want faster, ad-free searching depending on your choice.
The good news? Windows 11 lets you change your default search engine easily — and we’ll show you how.
Understanding How Search Works in Windows 11
Before we jump into the steps, it’s helpful to know how search actually functions in Windows 11.
There are two main search layers:
| Search Type | Where It Appears | Default Engine |
|---|---|---|
| Web Search via Edge | Windows taskbar, Start menu, or Cortana | Bing |
| Browser Search | When typing in your browser’s address bar | Depends on browser (Edge = Bing, Chrome = Google) |
To completely change your experience, you’ll likely want to change the search engine inside your browser and tweak Windows Search integration.
Changing Search Engine in Microsoft Edge (Chromium)
Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based) is Windows 11’s default browser, and Bing is set as its default search engine.
Let’s start by changing that.
Step-by-Step:
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Open Microsoft Edge.
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Click the three dots (⋯) in the top-right corner.
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Go to Settings → Privacy, search, and services.
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Scroll down to Services → click Address bar and search.
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Under Search engine used in the address bar, choose your preferred option (e.g., Google, Yahoo, DuckDuckGo).
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If your desired engine isn’t listed, click Manage search engines → Add.
To Add a New Search Engine:
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Click Add.
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Enter details:
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Search engine: Google
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Keyword: google.com
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URL with %s in place of query:
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Click Add, then click the three dots next to it → select Make default.
✅ Done! Edge will now use Google (or your chosen engine) whenever you search from the address bar.
How to Set Google as Default Search Engine in Edge
If you specifically want to replace Bing with Google:
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Open Edge Settings.
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Navigate to Privacy, search, and services.
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Click Address bar and search.
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From the drop-down menu, choose Google.
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Restart Edge to apply changes.
💡 Pro Tip: You can also set Google as your homepage and new tab page for a consistent experience:
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Go to Settings → Start, home, and new tabs.
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Under When Edge starts, select Open these pages → add
https://www.google.com.
How to Change Search Engine in Chrome
If you already use Google Chrome, you might want to double-check or customize your search engine.
Steps:
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Open Chrome.
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Click the three dots (⋮) → Settings.
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Go to Search engine in the sidebar.
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Under Search engine used in the address bar, select your preferred option.
To Add Another Engine:
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Go to Manage search engines and site search.
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Click Add and enter a custom search URL as before.
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Click the three dots next to it → Make default.
✅ Chrome will now use your chosen engine for all address bar searches.
How to Change Search Engine in Firefox
Mozilla Firefox offers full flexibility with search engine settings.
Steps:
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Open Firefox.
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Click the menu button (≡) → Settings.
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Select Search from the sidebar.
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Under Default Search Engine, choose Google, Bing, DuckDuckGo, or another.
You can even remove unwanted engines under One-click search engines.
How to Change Search Engine in Brave, Opera, and Other Browsers
Let’s quickly cover a few other popular browsers.
| Browser | How to Change Search Engine |
|---|---|
| Brave | Settings → Search Engine → Choose from dropdown or add custom URL |
| Opera | Settings → Basic → Search engine section → Choose preferred option |
| Vivaldi | Settings → Search → Default search engine → Choose or add new |
| Torch/UC | Usually similar — look under “Search Engine” or “Privacy” in Settings |
No matter the browser, the process follows a similar pattern: go to Settings → Search Engine → Choose Default.
How to Change Search Engine for Windows Search Bar
When you search from the taskbar or Start menu, Windows 11 opens results in Edge using Bing by default — even if you’ve set another browser as default.
However, there are ways to change that behavior.
Option 1: Use “Search the Web” in Your Browser
If you type a query directly in your browser’s address bar, it will always use your selected search engine — not Bing.
Option 2: Redirect Windows Search to Google
You can use small third-party tools to redirect Bing results to Google.
We’ll cover that next 👇
Using EdgeDeflector or Search Deflector (Advanced)
Tools like EdgeDeflector and Search Deflector can override Microsoft’s behavior and redirect Bing searches from the Start menu to your chosen browser and engine.
⚙️ How It Works:
These tools intercept Windows’ Bing requests and reroute them to your default browser using your preferred search engine.
⚠️ Important:
Microsoft has blocked some older deflectors in newer Windows 11 builds. For modern versions (23H2+), you can use MSEdgeRedirect instead.
Steps (for MSEdgeRedirect):
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Download MSEdgeRedirect from its official GitHub page.
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Install it and follow setup instructions.
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Choose your preferred browser and search engine (e.g., Chrome + Google).
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Save and restart your PC.
Now, any time you use the Windows search bar, results will open in Google on Chrome (or your default browser).
How to Make Google Default in All Browsers on Windows 11
If you use multiple browsers, it can be annoying to repeat the same setup. Here’s how to make Google the default everywhere quickly.
Steps:
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Open Settings → Apps → Default apps.
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Select Microsoft Edge → change
.html,.htm, and.pdfto your preferred browser (like Chrome). -
Now open Chrome → Settings → Search engine → select Google.
✅ From now on, every link and search will go through Google, not Bing.
How to Change Default Browser in Windows 11
To make sure your chosen search engine always opens in your preferred browser, set that browser as default.
Steps:
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Open Settings (Win + I).
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Click Apps → Default apps.
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Scroll down and select your browser (e.g., Google Chrome).
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Click Set default.
Now, all web links — including from Windows Search — will open in your chosen browser.
Tips for a Smoother Browsing Experience
Here are a few pro tips to make your web experience faster and more personal:
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🧭 Sync your preferences — Sign into Chrome or Edge to sync search engine settings across devices.
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🔒 Use privacy-focused engines like DuckDuckGo or Startpage if you want zero tracking.
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⚡ Enable hardware acceleration in your browser for smoother scrolling.
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🧹 Clear cache and cookies regularly to keep searches relevant.
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🌙 Use dark mode for better night-time readability.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
| Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Bing still appears in searches | Windows forcing Edge | Use MSEdgeRedirect |
| Custom engine not showing | Missing URL format | Add correct %s search parameter |
| Search resets after update | Browser update reset | Reapply default settings |
| Chrome not opening from Start menu search | Default browser not set | Reassign default apps for Chrome |
Key Takeaways
| ✅ | Summary |
|---|---|
| 🌐 | Windows 11 defaults to Bing + Edge for searches |
| 🧠 | You can easily change browsers and search engines in settings |
| 🧩 | Tools like MSEdgeRedirect can force Windows Search to use Google |
| 🔒 | Privacy-oriented search engines like DuckDuckGo work seamlessly |
| ⚙️ | Always check after major updates — Windows may reset defaults |
Conclusion
Changing your search engine in Windows 11 is easier than it sounds. Whether you want to switch from Bing to Google, DuckDuckGo, or another option, the process takes just a few minutes.
You can start small by changing your browser’s search engine, or go further by redirecting Windows Search results using tools like MSEdgeRedirect.
Once you’ve customized it, every search will feel more natural, faster, and better aligned with your preferences — making your Windows 11 experience truly yours.
FAQs
1. Can I completely remove Bing from Windows 11?
Not natively. Windows integrates Bing into system search, but you can redirect results using tools like MSEdgeRedirect.
2. Why does Windows keep using Edge for search results?
Microsoft enforces Edge for system searches. Use redirection tools to override it.
3. What is the safest search engine for privacy?
DuckDuckGo and Startpage are excellent privacy-focused options that don’t track you.
4. How do I make Google my default search engine everywhere?
Change it in all browsers and set your default browser to Chrome in Settings → Apps → Default apps.
5. Will changing my search engine affect Cortana or voice search?
Yes, Cortana’s web results are tied to Bing and Edge by design, but redirection tools can reroute them to your chosen search engine.
🔍 Summary
To recap:
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Change your browser’s search engine (Edge, Chrome, Firefox, etc.).
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Use MSEdgeRedirect to reroute Windows Search from Bing to Google.
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Set your preferred browser as default in Windows 11.
With these tweaks, your entire search experience — from the Start menu to your browser — will now use the engine you trust most.