Windows 11 comes packed with new features, a sleek design, and smooth performance. But when it comes to searching the web, Microsoft pushes Bing through its Edge browser and the built-in search bar. While Bing has its perks, most people still prefer Google because it’s familiar, fast, and delivers more relevant results.
If you’re one of those users asking, “How do I make Google my default search engine on Windows 11?”—you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll go step by step on how to set Google as your default search engine across browsers, the taskbar search, and even Cortana-like features.
Why Make Google the Default Search Engine?
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s quickly touch on the why:
- Better Search Results – Google dominates with accuracy and relevance.
- Familiar Interface – Many users are used to Google’s simple homepage.
- Sync with Google Account – Bookmarks, history, and saved passwords sync easily across devices.
- More Extensions – Browsers like Chrome support a wider range of Google-powered add-ons.
Simply put, making Google your default ensures a smoother, more personalized browsing experience.
Method 1: Set Google as Default in Microsoft Edge
Since Edge is Windows 11’s default browser, it automatically uses Bing. But you can switch it to Google in just a few clicks.
Steps:
- Open Microsoft Edge.
- Click the three-dot menu (•••) in the top-right corner.
- Go to Settings.
- Select Privacy, search, and services from the left panel.
- Scroll down to Services > Address bar and search.
- Under Search engine used in address bar, click the dropdown and select Google.
- Also change Search on new tabs to Address bar for consistency.
Now, whenever you search from Edge’s address bar, results will come from Google instead of Bing.
Method 2: Make Google Default in Google Chrome
If you’re a Google Chrome user, it’s already designed to use Google. But let’s make sure.
Steps:
- Open Google Chrome.
- Click the three-dot menu in the top-right.
- Go to Settings.
- Select Search engine from the left panel.
- Ensure Search engine used in the address bar is set to Google.
That’s it—Chrome will always search with Google.
Method 3: Set Google in Mozilla Firefox
Firefox users can also switch their default search easily.
Steps:
- Open Mozilla Firefox.
- Click the hamburger menu (≡) in the top-right.
- Go to Settings.
- Select Search from the left panel.
- Under Default Search Engine, choose Google.
Now Firefox is configured to use Google every time you search.
Method 4: Make Google Default in Other Browsers (Brave, Opera, etc.)
Most modern browsers allow you to choose your preferred search engine.
- Opera → Settings > Advanced > Search Engine > Select Google.
- Brave → Settings > Search Engine > Choose Google.
- Vivaldi → Settings > Search > Pick Google from the dropdown.
Method 5: Change Search Engine in Windows 11 Taskbar Search
Here’s the catch: even if you set Google as your browser’s default, the Windows 11 taskbar search bar still defaults to Bing via Edge. But there’s a workaround.
Using EdgeDeflector (or similar tools):
- EdgeDeflector (free tool) forces Windows search results to open in your default browser instead of Edge.
- Pair it with an extension like Chrometana Pro in Chrome to redirect Bing searches to Google.
This way, when you search from the taskbar, results open in Google automatically.
Method 6: Change Homepage to Google
Even if you’ve set the search engine, you might also want Google as your homepage.
On Microsoft Edge:
- Open Settings.
- Go to Start, home, and new tabs.
- Choose Open these pages and enter:
https://www.google.com
On Chrome:
- Open Settings.
- Under On startup, select Open a specific page.
- Add:
https://www.google.com
Now every time you launch your browser, it opens straight to Google.
Method 7: Use Google with Cortana-like Features
Windows 11 doesn’t have Cortana as active as Windows 10, but for voice search and quick results, you can still redirect things to Google.
- Install Google Chrome.
- Add the Google app for voice search if needed.
- Pair with extensions like Chrometana Pro for redirection.
Method 8: Make Google Default for All New Browsers
If you regularly try new browsers, you don’t want to repeat the steps. The trick? Set Chrome as your default browser in Windows 11.
Steps:
- Open Settings (Windows + I).
- Go to Apps > Default apps.
- Search for Chrome.
- Set Chrome as the default for all file types (.htm, .html, .pdf, etc.).
Since Chrome defaults to Google, you’ll always have Google as your main search engine system-wide.
Troubleshooting: Google Not Sticking as Default
Sometimes Windows 11 resets search settings after an update. Here’s how to fix it:
- Check default apps → Ensure Chrome is still default.
- Reinstall EdgeDeflector or Chrometana → Updates may disable them.
- Reboot after changes → Some changes don’t apply until restart.
Pros and Cons of Making Google Default
✅ Pros
- Faster, more accurate results
- Seamless sync across devices
- Better customization options
❌ Cons
- Requires extra setup in Windows 11
- Bing results won’t show directly in taskbar searches (without workaround)
- Microsoft sometimes resets defaults after updates
Final Thoughts
Making Google your default search engine in Windows 11 is absolutely possible—you just need to tweak a few settings.
- For Edge, change search engine in settings.
- For Chrome and Firefox, it’s already easy.
- For taskbar searches, use tools like EdgeDeflector + Chrometana.
Once set, you’ll enjoy faster, more relevant results with your favorite search engine—Google.
FAQs
1. Can I completely remove Bing from Windows 11?
No, Bing is built into Windows, but you can bypass it using third-party tools.
2. If I set Google in Chrome, will taskbar searches use Google too?
Not by default—you’ll need EdgeDeflector or Chrometana for that.
3. Will updates reset my default search engine?
Sometimes Windows updates reset defaults, but you can change them back easily.
4. Is Edge required to use Windows 11 features?
Some features open in Edge by default, but you can redirect most searches to Google.
5. What’s the easiest way to always use Google in Windows 11?
Set Chrome as your default browser—it automatically uses Google.