How to change your search engine in Microsoft Edge

One of the jewels in the Windows 10 crown is the new default browser, Microsoft Edge.

Internet Explorer's replacement has a hell of a lot to recommend it, but as a new entrant to the scene, it's going to take many people a while to get to grips with the ins and outs of it.

As a case in point, changing the default search engine is something of a hassle in Edge. That's likely to be a top priority, as Edge default's to Microsoft's own search engine Bing, rather than the much more popular Google.

Not to worry though. Here's a step-by-step guide detailing how to change your default search engine in Microsoft Edge.

How to change your search engine in Microsoft Edge: Step One

Microsoft Edge features a combo search/address bar, but it's set to use Microsoft Bing by default. In order to switch it to something else, you'll need to change it in the settings.

Open Edge's settings via the ellipsis menu, rather than the hamburger menu and navigate to Advanced Settings'.  Here, you'll find an option to change the default search engine.

How to change your search engine in Microsoft Edge: Step Two

It's not quite that simple, however. Unlike other browsers, there is no predefined list of alternatives to choose from. The selection is initially bare, and has to be added to manually.

Navigate to your chosen search engine, and reopen the advanced settings. Now, activate the drop-down menu to choose a default provider, and click Add new'.

How to change your search engine in Microsoft Edge: Step Three

Your chosen search provider should now appear as an option. Select Add as default', and you're all set. One caveat, though; only sites that use the OpenSearch standard can be set as an option.

This covers a wide range of engines, including Google and also allows users to set up sites like Wikipedia as their default search engine.