How to Set Your Preferred Search Engine in Windows 11
Changing your default search engine in Windows 11 isn’t rocket science, but if you’re not familiar, it might feel a bit daunting at first. Instead of sticking with whatever the browser or Windows defaults to, you can pick a search engine that suits your style—like Google, Bing, or DuckDuckGo. This way, every time you type a query in your browser’s address or search bar, results are pulled from your chosen engine. It only takes a few minutes, and this small tweak can make your online searches much smoother.
Getting into the Browser Settings
First up, open your preferred browser—whether that’s Microsoft Edge, Chrome, or Firefox. That’s where you’ll find the options to change your default search engine. If Edge is your main browser (which it usually is on Windows 11), it’s pretty straightforward. Head over to Settings > Privacy, Search, and Services or just enter edge://settings/search in the address bar if you’re feeling efficient.
Once your browser is open, look for the three-dot menu (or the hamburger icon) in the top right corner — it’s often hidden in a hard-to-notice spot. Click on it, then select “Settings,” and you’re nearly there.
Locating the Search Settings
Next, find the section related to your search settings. It might be named “Search Engine,” “Manage Search Engines,” or similar, depending on your browser. You’ll see your current default engine listed, along with any others you might have added. If your preferred search engine isn’t listed, no worries — you can add it easily here.
Specifically in Edge, go to Settings > Privacy, Search, and Services and scroll down to the Address bar and search section. Click on Manage search engines and site search. You’ll then see a list of available search engines.
If your favourite isn’t listed, click Add and input these details:
- Search engine: Name it (e.g., DuckDuckGo).
- Keyword: Optional, but can be handy for quick access.
- URL with %s where the query goes: For DuckDuckGo, it’s
https://duckduckgo.com/?q=%s
Once added, click the three dots next to it and select Make default. You’re all set!
Remember to Save Your Settings
After choosing your preferred search engine, make sure to click ‘Save’ or ‘Apply’ — no point in going through the hassle if it’s not saved! Then you can close the settings tab.
From now on, any search you do in your browser’s address or search bar will use your chosen engine. It’s a quick tweak that can significantly improve your search experience, especially if you prefer privacy-focused options like DuckDuckGo.
Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Search Setup
Keep your browser up to date to ensure smooth performance. Newer versions often handle searches better. Don’t hesitate to try different search engines to see which ones match your needs — whether for speed, privacy, or more relevant results.
If a particular search engine isn’t showing up, add it manually through your browser’s settings. Adjusting regional or language settings can also help fine-tune your search results to better match your location.
If you switch between various search engines, it’s handy to bookmark your favourites for quick access. Remember, changing the browser’s default search engine only affects searches within that browser — Windows Search will still default to Bing unless you change that separately.
Common Questions About Changing Search Engines
Why can’t I find my favourite search engine?
Some browsers don’t include certain options out of the box — especially privacy-focused ones. If that’s the case, you can manually add your preferred search engine as described above.
Do I need to do this for every browser?
Yes. Each browser has its own settings, so if you use multiple browsers, you’ll need to update each one individually to keep your searches consistent.
Will this change Windows Search too?
Nope. Changing your browser’s default search engine doesn’t affect Windows Search, which still defaults to Bing. These instructions only apply to searches within your web browser.
Can I switch back if I don’t like the new one?
Absolutely! Just repeat the steps to change the default engine whenever you want. It’s flexible and easy to update.
Can I use multiple search engines at once?
You can only set one default at a time, but you can always bookmark other search engines for quick access when needed.
Customising your search engine in Windows 11 is a quick win. Whether it helps you browse more efficiently, boosts your privacy, or just makes things easier, it’s worth a few minutes of setup. Hopefully, this guide helps you streamline your online searches a bit more.