4 Ways to Fix Microsoft Edge Search Engine Changing to Yahoo

Basic Fixes:

• Check for browser updates: Browser bugs can randomly change the search engine. So, check and install the latest software updates for Edge.
• Run antivirus scan: If your Windows PC is affected by malicious files, it may change the search engine to Yahoo and send you to advertiser websites. Hence, run an antivirus scan and check for any infected files or programs. Then, remove them as required.

Fix 1: Manually Change the Default Search Engine

First, check the default search engine on Microsoft Edge. If it’s set to Yahoo, change it to Bing or Google. Then, follow the steps below.

Step 1: Open Microsoft Edge > click on the three-dot icon at the top right corner > click on Settings.

Step 2: Click on Privacy, search, and services from the left sidebar.

Step 3: Scroll down and click on Address bar and search.

Step 4: Click on the drop-down in front of the Search engine used in the address bar option and select Google or any other search engine.

Fix 2: Remove Edge Extensions

Third-party extensions improve your browser functionality. However, certain sketchy extensions might take over Microsoft Edge and change the search engine to Yahoo. So, remove any such extensions from Microsoft Edge. Here’s how.

Step 1: Launch Microsoft Edge and go to Edge’s Extensions page.

Step 2: Go through the currently installed extensions and click on Remove for the ones you wish to delete.

Fix 3: Reset All Edge Settings

Certain Edge settings can change the search engine to Yahoo unprompted. In this case, reset Microsoft Edge settings and set the search engine back to Bing. Then, manually change it to Google or any other search engine. Here’s how.

Step 1: Open Microsoft Edge > click on the three-dot icon > click on Settings.

Step 2: Click on Reset settings from the sidebar. Then, click on Restore settings to their default values. If prompted, confirm your decision in the pop-up menu.

Microsoft Edge will return to using Bing as the search engine in the address bar. You can now follow the abovementioned steps to change the search engine as required.

Fix 4: Remove Browser Hijackers or Suspicious Programs

Certain PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications) on your Windows laptop can install irrelevant extensions on Microsoft Edge and even change the search engine to Yahoo. In this case, you can uninstall these apps from your Windows 11 device. Once done, the search engine should go back to your choice.