How To Change Default Search Engine In Google Chrome (FAST & EASY)
Learn how to easily change the default search engine in Google Chrome. Follow this quick step-by-step guide to switch engines and fix the Yahoo search bug.
Key Takeaways
Why Change Your Default Search Engine in Chrome?
Google Chrome allows you to customize your browsing experience, including which search engine handles your queries when you type directly into the address bar or open a new tab. Whether you want to switch your search engine back to Google, or you prefer another option like Bing or DuckDuckGo, updating this preference is fast and easy.
Below is a complete guide to configuring your default search engine and startup page settings in Google Chrome.
Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Search Engine
Follow these quick steps to update your default search engine in Google Chrome:
FAQ
Which search engines can I set as my default in Google Chrome?
Chrome allows you to choose from a variety of options for your default search engine. While Google is the standard, you can quickly switch to alternatives like Bing, DuckDuckGo, or Yahoo directly from the search engine settings menu.
What causes the Yahoo Search bug in Google Chrome?
If your browser continually reverts to Yahoo Search and ignores your settings, it is usually caused by a malicious browser extension, a bug, or malware on your computer. If you are experiencing this, watch this for a complete fix.
Some links may earn a commission. Thanks for your support.
Change your default search engine by opening the Chrome menu (three dots), navigating to Settings > Search engine, clicking Change, and choosing Set as default for your preferred option.
Apply your search engine to new tabs by navigating to Settings > On startup in the left sidebar and selecting Open the New Tab page.
Resolve persistent Yahoo! Search redirects caused by malware or buggy extensions by watching this troubleshooting tutorial.
Click the three dots located in the upper right corner of your Google Chrome browser window.
2
Navigate to Settings
From the dropdown menu, click on Settings.
3
Access Search Engine Options
On the left-hand sidebar menu, click on Search engine.
4
Modify the Default
Click the Change button next to the option for the search engine used in the address bar.
5
Select Your Preference
Choose the search engine you would like to use (for example, Google) and click Set as default.
Once completed, any searches you make directly from your browser's address bar will automatically use the search engine you have chosen.
How to Set Your New Tab Page
To ensure a seamless experience, you'll also want to verify that your browser opens your desired search engine whenever you launch Chrome or open a new tab.
While still in the Google Chrome Settings, click on On startup from the left-hand menu.
Select the option to Open the New Tab page.
Now, whenever you open a new tab, you will be presented with the search bar for your selected search engine.
Troubleshooting: Can't Get Rid of Yahoo! Search?
Sometimes, users experience an issue where Chrome continuously switches the default search engine back to Yahoo! Search, regardless of their settings. This frustrating problem is often caused by a browser bug, malicious extension, or malware.
If your search engine keeps reverting to Yahoo and you cannot get rid of it through the standard settings menu, a deeper fix is required. Watch this dedicated troubleshooting tutorial for the solution:
How to fix the Yahoo Search bug / malware
Keep Learning
If you found this guide helpful and want to discover more browser tips and technical tutorials, check out the recommended video below:
Watch Next
Will changing my search engine automatically update what I see on startup?
Changing the address bar search engine handles your direct queries, but you also need to check your startup settings for a seamless experience. Navigate to On startup in your settings and select Open the New Tab page to ensure your new tab uses your preferred search engine.
