"Offering free computer help, hints, and tips to the Internet populace." Now with over 3,820 tips!

Internet Explorer 7 Misc

Change the Default Search Provider to Google or Another Search Engine

SUMMARY: Configure Internet Explorer 7 to use a different default search engine such as Ask, Google, or Yahoo.

When you type in text in the search engine box (the text box to the right of the address bar) and press the magnifying glass, Internet Explorer 7 by default will search Windows Live. If you'd rather use another search engine such as Google, do the following:

If you have not previously installed the desired search provider:

1. Click on the down-arrow next to the magnifying glass and choose "Find More Providers".

2. Select a search provider from those listed by clicking its link, such as:

* Ask.com
* Google
* Yahoo!

3. You will be prompted if you wish to add a search provider to Internet Explorer. Check the box "Make this my default search provider".

4. Click the "Add Provider" button to confirm your selection.

Internet Explorer 7's dialog box asking if you want to add the Google search provider.

Or, If you have previously installed the search provider:

1. Click on the down-arrow next to the magnifying glass and choose "Change Search Defaults".

Internet Explorer 7's dialog box asking if you want to change the search defaults.

2. A "Change Search Defaults" dialog box will appear. Click on your desired default search provider.

3. Click the "Set Default" button.

4. Click "OK" to save your settings.

<image align="right" src="ie7_changed_search_default.jpg"></image>Once you have changed Internet Explorer 7's search defaults using either of the above methods, the search box should change, reflecting your new settings, as noted by the image on the right.

Got something to add? Post a comment!

Everyone is invited to submit comments. Registered users also receive their own visitor profile page with a summary of recent posts.
Register | Login

1. Gretchen (01/10/2010 17:58:36)

Nothing, nothing works to remove Bing as the default search provider. I've added Google, but the "manage add on" screen has greyed out the "remove" button on bing. Every site suggests all the obvious things to do to remove Bing but none of those work. I need REAL answers please.