• Change Microsoft Edge’s default search engine under Settings > Search and services > Address bar and search.
  • Disable unnecessarily installed extensions from the three-dot menu > Extensions > Manage Extensions.
  • Repair Microsoft Edge from the Installed Apps settings.

Common Fixes

  • Avoid recommended settings : Skip the recommended settings popup in Microsoft Edge to avoid changing its default search engine.
  • Don’t install apps from unknown sources : Apps installed from unknown sources can hijack Edge to change its default search engine. Stick to the Microsoft Store or the Mac App Store.
  • Run a Windows security scan : Press the Windows key, search Windows Security, and open it. Click Virus & threat protection and run a Quick scan.
  • Update Microsoft Edge : Open Microsoft Edge, click the three-dot menu at the top right > Help and feedback > About Microsoft Edge > install available updates.

Fix 1: Change the Search Engine Manually in Microsoft Edge

If Microsoft Edge suddenly changes its default search engine, revert it from its settings.

Step 1: Click the three-dot menu at the top right beside Copilot to open Edge Settings .

1 open Edge settings - 1

Step 2: Select Search and services in the left sidebar and click Address bar and search .

2 configure address bar and search - 2

Step 3: Click the drop-down list next to the Search engine used in the address bar and set your desired search engine.

3 change default search engine - 3

Fix 2: Disable the Search Edge Flag

If Microsoft Edge still uses Bing search besides changing its default search engine, open its experimental features and disable the Bing search feature altogether.

Step 1: Open Microsoft Edge, copy-paste the following path in the address bar, and hit Enter .

edge://flags/#edge-show-feature-recommendations

Step 2: Search #edge-msb-all-dse and set Allow Microsoft Search with Bing for any default search engine to Disabled .

4 disable Bing search - 4

Fix 3: Disable Unnecessary Extensions

Malicious browser extensions are a common culprit behind Edge automatically changing its default search engine. Open Edge settings to disable and remove such extensions.

Step 1: Click the three-dot menu at the top right of Microsoft Edge to open Extensions .

5 configure extensions - 5

Step 2: Select Manage Extensions .

6 manage extensions - 6

Step 3: Review installed extensions and toggle off the unnecessary ones. Alternatively, click Remove below an extension to uninstall it.

7 remove edge extensions - 7

Fix 4: Clear All Edge Browsing Data

Besides extensions, corrupt browsing data can also trigger Edge to change its default search engine. Clearing all Edge browsing data manually should fix it.

Step 1: Open Microsoft Edge settings (check the above steps), select Privacy and security in the left sidebar, and click Choose what to clear next to Clear browsing data now.

8 clear browsing data - 8

Step 2: Set Time range to All time , check the boxes for Browsing history , Download history , Cookies and other site data , and Cached images and files . Remove them by clicking Clear Now .

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Fix 5: Repair Microsoft Edge

If nothing works, head to your Windows Settings app to repair the Microsoft Edge browser, effectively resolving the default search engine issue.

Note: Repairing Microsoft Edge doesn’t affect your data and browser settings.

Step 1: Press the Windows + I keys to open Settings, select Apps in the sidebar, and click Installed apps .

10 configure installed apps - 10

Step 2: Search Edge in the search bar, click the three-dot menu next to Microsoft Edge, and select Modify .

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Step 3: Approve the UAC prompt and click Repair to fix the Microsoft Edge browser.

12 repair microsoft edge - 12

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