1. Setting Default Search Engine in Chrome / MS Edge / FireFox
| Browser | Default Search Engine |
|---|---|
| Chrome | Settings → Search engine → Manage search engine |
| Edge | Settings → Privacy, search, services → Address bar & search → Manage search engines |
| Firefox | Settings → Search → Default search engines |
Video Guide: How to Change the Default Search Engine on All Browsers and Devices
2. Set the Default Search Engine in Internet Explorer
Tip: If you’re on a newer Windows version (10/11) with IE 11 still installed, the process is the same.
If you’re using an older IE (9/10), the “Search Providers” dialog is the only place to change it.
| Step | What to Do | Where to Find It |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Open IE. | Click the Tools icon (gear) → Internet Options |
| 2 | Switch to the Content tab. | On the tab list at the top |
| 3 | Click Search Providers… | The button is in the section “Search” |
| 4 | Choose a provider from the list or click Add… to enter a new one. | The “New Search Provider” dialog lets you type the name, URL, and search query string (e.g., https://www.google.com/search?q={searchTerms}) |
| 5 | Highlight the provider you want as the default, then click Set as default. | The selected row will be marked as the default |
| 6 | Click OK to close the dialogs. | |
| 7 | (Optional) Remove unused providers: select one and click Delete. |
What the URL means
The curly‑brace placeholder {searchTerms} is where IE inserts the text you type into the address bar. If you’re adding a custom provider, make sure that placeholder is present; otherwise the search won’t work.
3. Chrome vs. Edge – Pros & Cons
| Feature | Google Chrome | Microsoft Edge |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | Fast rendering, especially for sites built with Chromium’s V8 engine. | Matches Chrome’s speed (same Chromium base) but has optimizations for Windows integration (e.g., better battery on laptops). |
| Extension Library | Largest ecosystem (Chrome Web Store). | Growing but still smaller; many familiar extensions are available via the Chrome Web Store. |
| Privacy & Tracking | Chrome’s default settings collect data for Google services; however, you can disable sync, use “Incognito,” or install privacy‑focused extensions. | Edge claims less telemetry than Chrome, offers “Tracking Prevention” in three levels (Basic, Balanced, Strict) built‑in, and integrates with Windows Defender. |
| Sync | Sync across devices via Google account (bookmarks, passwords, history). | Sync across devices via Microsoft account; integrates with Office 365, OneDrive, and Windows 10/11 settings. |
| System Integration | Runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS. | Deep Windows 10/11 integration: Cortana, Action Center, and “Continue on PC” feature. |
| Security | Regular updates, sandboxing, safe browsing. | Same Chromium security, plus Windows Defender SmartScreen, Application Guard, and optional “InPrivate” mode. |
| Customizability | Extensive themes, extensions, developer tools. | Similar tools; slightly more limited theme options, but still supports extensions. |
| Resource Usage | Known for high memory usage when many tabs or heavy extensions are open. | Generally lower memory footprint on Windows; also supports “Sleeping Tabs” to reduce resource drain. |
| User Interface | Minimalist, “chrome” look, easy to navigate. | Slightly more polished UI; includes a “Collections” feature and a sidebar for quick access. |
| Developer Experience | Excellent dev tools, Chrome DevTools are industry standard. | DevTools are essentially the same as Chrome’s, plus some Edge‑specific debugging tools. |
| Adoption & Market Share | Highest global market share; many web developers test on Chrome first. | Growing adoption, especially in enterprise environments where Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are daily tools. |
| Price & Licensing | Free. | Free. |
| Support for Legacy Sites | Handles older sites well. | Slight edge in supporting legacy Windows‑specific features (e.g., ActiveX via Internet Explorer mode). |
Bottom Line
- Choose Chrome if you need the widest extension support, frequent updates, and universal cross‑platform consistency.
- Choose Edge if you’re deeply embedded in the Windows ecosystem, want tighter privacy controls out of the box, or need Windows‑specific features like “Continue on PC” and built‑in “InPrivate” browsing.
Quick Switching Tip
Both browsers use the same Chromium engine, so many extensions that work in Chrome will also work in Edge (just copy the extension’s .crx file or install it from the Chrome Web Store). Switching between them is as simple as choosing a different default browser in Windows Settings.
That’s all! If you need help with any specific extension, privacy settings, or advanced configuration, just let me know. Happy browsing!