Microsoft’s newest windows update comes with the newest chromium-based Edge browser and intrusively has forced it upon users once they have updated. I am usually a Google Chome user but I have decided to give this browser a try partly because I am too lazy to change it and also, I thought it may be an improvement and could be worth my time. Immediately I found that the new Edge browser uses Bing as its default search engine so the first thing to change is the Edge search engine.
While Bing has improved over the years, many users still prefer the familiarity and reliability of Google. If you’re one of them, this guide will walk you through how to force Microsoft Edge to use Google as its default search engine.
Why Edge Uses Bing by Default
Microsoft Edge is tightly integrated with Bing as part of Microsoft’s ecosystem. Every time you type a query into the address bar, Edge automatically sends it to Bing. For users who prefer Google, this can feel limiting, especially if you’re used to Google’s search accuracy and ecosystem.
In this article we’ll be switching to Google as the preferred Edge search engine used by the address bar.
How to change Edge’s default search engine
1. Open Microsoft Edge Settings
- Launch Microsoft Edge.
- Click the three-dot menu (
...) in the top-right corner. - Select Settings.
2. Navigate to Privacy and Services
Click Address bar and search.
In the left sidebar, click on Privacy, Search, and Services.
Scroll down to the Services section.
3. Scroll all the way to the bottom of the right pane and look for the Services section. Click the “Address Bar” option under it.
Click the “Search engine used in the address bar” option and select “Google” or whatever search engine you prefer.
Forcing Edge to Always Use Google (Including New Tabs)
Changing the address bar search engine doesn’t affect all searches in Edge—especially those made via the new tab page, which may still default to Bing. Unfortunately, Edge doesn’t allow full customization of the new tab page natively. However, you can work around this limitation by:
Option 1: Use an Extension
Install a trusted extension like “New Tab Redirect” from the Edge Add-ons Store or Chrome Web Store (since Edge supports Chrome extensions). Set it to redirect new tabs to https://www.google.com.
Option 2: Set Google as Your Homepage
- Go to Settings > Start, home, and new tabs.
- Under “When Edge starts”, choose Open these pages and add
https://www.google.com. - Under “Home button”, enable the Home button and set it to Google.
Final Thoughts
While Microsoft Edge defaults to Bing, changing it to Google is straightforward and offers a more personalized browsing experience. Whether you’re a tech-savvy user or just prefer Google’s search results, these tweaks will help you force Microsoft Edge to use Google, making your workflow smoother and more efficient.
