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3 Ways to Change Your Browser's Default Search Engine ­ wikiHow
How to Change Your Browser's Default Search
Engine
Sometimes addons, toolbars, etc. may be installed on your computer as part of or in addition to
software you install on your computer. It can be an annoyance if it changes your browser's search
engine to one of lesser quality, with many advertisements, or you just don't want to use. With a few
quick changes, you can restore it back to your normal search preferences.
Contents
1 Steps
1.1 Firefox
1.2 Google Chrome
1.3 Internet Explorer
2 Video
3 Tips
4 Related wikiHows
Steps
Firefox
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1
Find the search query URL for your desired search engine . The easiest way to find
this is to visit your favorite search engine and make a search. Copy the URL address,
remove the unnecessary bits (that aren't related to your search), so that the query will be
the last thing added to the address (don't include the search terms, these are appended
by Firefox). Copy this address.
For Google, http://www.google.com/search?q=
For Yahoo!, http://search.yahoo.com/search?p=
For Bing, http://www.bing.com/search?q=
For Ask.com, http://www.ask.com/web?q=
2
Navigate to Firefox's preferences editor . To do this, type "about:config" into the
address bar and hit Enter. You will be warned about the cautions of editing Firefox settings
manually. Continue by pressing "I'll be careful, I promise".
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3
Search for "keyword.URL" in the search area. A single result should appear with this
name.
4
Right click on the result. Then, click Modify. Paste your new address in the dialog that is
shown, so that it replaces the previous one. Then, click OK. Your default search engine
has changed, you can test it by typing something in the address bar and pressing Enter.
5
If you want to change the default search in the search engine textbox on the
right, search for "browser .search.defaultenginename" in the search area. Change this
to the search engine you want exactly as shown in the search menu (click the icon next to
the search box to see the menu).
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Google Chrome
1
Navigate to Google Chrome's Settings. You can access this by clicking the Wrench
icon in the top right of the browser, then clicking "Options" in the menu.
2
Locate the Search section. From this area, you can quickly choose from a list of
common search engines. To use any of these, you can just select it from the drop down
box. To add a different search engine, continue with the steps.
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3
Click "Manage Search Engines". You'll be presented with more search engines, those
standard default search options and also more detected ones by Google Chrome. You
should be able to find any you would like to use here, but if not, scroll down until you see
the textbox for adding another search engine.
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4
Fill in the form data. This includes the name of the search engine, the search URL, and a
keyword. The search engine will then be added. Just click "Make default" while hovering
over it to make it your default search engine.
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Internet Explorer
1
Click the arrow right next to the search icon in the address bar . It will show a drop­
down with icons in it. Click "Add". Internet Explorer will take you to its search engine gallery.
2
Choose a search engine from the gallery. To see more, just move your mouse to the
right of the screen. Click on one you like.
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3
Install the search engine addon. There is a "click to install" link on the page. After
clicking it, you'll be presented with a dialog box prompting for confirmation to add the
search engine. If you want this to be your default search engine, tick the "Make this my
default search provider" box. Click Add. The search engine should now be changed.
Add method
Know another method for How to Change Your
Browser's Default Search Engine? Add it here...
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Name your method
Add your steps using an ordered list. For example:
1. Step one
2. Step two
3. Step three
Add Method
Video
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3 Ways to Change Your Browser's Default Search Engine ­ wikiHow
Tips
Various malware and trojans may also change your search engine settings. You should scan
your computer with an antivirus and remove their extensions from the browser before
changing the setting.
Some software allows you to choose the option of having an optional toolbar installed and
search engine installed. Pay attention these, and uncheck the boxes if you do not think you'd
like to use them.
Related wikiHows
How to Force Install Incompatible Addons in Firefox
How to Use Mozilla Firefox
How to Search the Internet
How to Block Search Engines
How to Use Find in Google Chrome
How to Use Google Chrome
How to Choose an Internet Browser
How to Add a Custom Search Engine to Firefox's Search Bar (Windows Version)
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