How to Make Google My Default Search Engine in Edge Browser in Windows 10

In the sphere of web browsing, your default search engine significantly influences your browsing experience. The Microsoft Edge browser, which is embedded into Windows 10, features Microsoft’s own search engine, Bing, as its default. While Bing serves its purpose, many users prefer Google for its robust search algorithms, user-friendly interface, and rich array of services. This article delves into the stepsneeded to swap out Bing for Google as your default search engine in the Microsoft Edge browser on a Windows 10 system. Through this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to optimize your browsing experience and get quick access to your preferred search platform.

Understanding Microsoft Edge and Its Default Search Engine

Microsoft Edge, introduced in 2015, is Microsoft’s flagship web browser that comes pre-installed with Windows 10. It was designed to enhance user security, optimize browsing speed, and provide a modern interface. The default search engine, Bing, is closely integrated with Edge’s features, which prompts many users to utilize it. Despite this integration, users often find that Google offers more relevant search results, additional services, and a familiar interface that enhances their browsing experience.

Step 1: Open Microsoft Edge

Before you can change your default search engine, you need to start the Microsoft Edge browser:

Locate Edge: Click the Windows icon on the lower-left corner of your screen or press the Windows key on your keyboard.
Search for Edge: In the search bar, type "Edge" and select "Microsoft Edge" from the results.
Launch Edge: Click to open the browser.

Alternatively, you can pin Microsoft Edge to your taskbar for quick access. Once the browser is open, you’ll want to navigate to the settings area to change your default search engine.

Step 2: Accessing Edge Settings

Once your Edge browser is launched, follow these steps to access its settings:

Open the Menu: Click on the three horizontal dots (the menu icon) located in the upper right corner of your Edge window.
Navigate to Settings: From the drop-down menu, select "Settings" which will redirect you to the settings page.

Step 3: Changing the Default Search Engine

Now that you’re in the settings page, you’ll need to find the option to change the search engine:

Privacy, Search, and Services: On the left sidebar of the settings page, click on "Privacy, search, and services."
Scroll Down: On the right side, scroll down until you see the "Services" section.
Address Bar and Search: Find the option labeled "Address bar and search." Click on it to continue.
Manage Search Engines: Here, under the "Search engines used in address bar," click on "Manage search engines."

This will bring you to a list of currently available search engines. You might see Bing as the default, and potentially other search engines that you’ve added in the past.

Step 4: Adding Google as a Search Engine

If Google is not already on the list of search engines, you can easily add it:

Add New Search Engine: Click on the "Add" button located next to a labeled section for “Other search engines.”
Fill Out the Information: You will now be prompted to enter the necessary information about Google:
- Search Engine: Type "Google."
- Keyword: You can enter any keyword; "google.com" is often a good choice.
- URL with %s in place of query: Here, you must enter Google’s search URL, which is: https://www.google.com/search?q=%s
Save: After filling out the fields, click the "Add" button to register Google as a search engine in Edge.

Step 5: Setting Google as the Default Search Engine

After adding Google as a search engine, you need to set it as your default search engine:

Find Google in the List: Scroll through the list of search engines you can use. Locate the Google entry that you just added.
Set as Default: Directly to the right of Google’s entry, you will see three dots (more options). Click on those dots and then select "Make default."

Now, Google is set as your default search engine, which means that every time you type a query into the address bar or a new tab’s search bar, it will automatically use Google for the search results.

Step 6: Testing the Default Search Engine

To ensure Google has been successfully set as the default search engine, complete the following:

Close Settings Tab: Close the settings tab to return to a normal web browsing experience.
Use the Address Bar: Type in a search query in the address bar (for example, "best pizza near me") and hit Enter.
Check Results: Confirm that your search results are displayed using Google. The browser should redirect you to a Google search results page featuring your query.

Optional Steps: Customizing Your Google Experience

Changing your default search engine to Google is just one way to optimize your web browsing experience. You can further customize how Google behaves in the Edge browser:

Sign in to Google: For a personalized Google experience, sign into your Google account. This allows access to bookmarks, saved searches, and a personalized homepage.
Change Google Settings: You can also navigate to your Google account settings to adjust how Google provides search results. For instance, customizing language settings, personalization options, or even safer browsing options could enhance your experience.
Set Google as Homepage: To have direct access to Google when launching Edge, consider setting it as your homepage. In the settings menu, navigate to "On startup," select "Open a specific page or pages," and subsequently enter https://www.google.com.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes users may encounter issues while changing their default search engine in Edge. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

Google Not Showing Up After Adding: Ensure that you have entered the correct URL for Google: https://www.google.com/search?q=%s. It’s crucial to include %s in the URL for the search query to function properly.
Changes Not Reflecting: If Google isn’t appearing as the default search engine after making it the default, try restarting the Edge browser or your entire computer. Sometimes settings require a fresh start to take effect.
Accidental Removal: If you accidentally removed Google as a search engine, simply repeat the steps to add it again, being cautious to input the correct URL.

Conclusion

Switching your default search engine in Microsoft Edge to Google is a straightforward process that can significantly enhance your web browsing experience. By following the outlined steps, you can ensure quick access to your favorite search engine and enjoy more optimized search results. Today’s browsing landscape is highly customizable, and having Google as your default search engine ensures that you reap the benefits of its powerful search capabilities while using the Edge browser on Windows 10.

As the digital world continues to evolve, maintaining control over your browsing settings and preferences is vital for an effective and personalized browsing experience. With these steps, you can transition to a more enjoyable and efficient web surfing journey. Whether for professional research or personal browsing, having Google at your forefront will certainly aid in your endeavors.