Microsoft Edge uses Bing as its default search engine, which isn’t surprising since both come from Microsoft. Plenty of people would rather use Google, and switching only takes a minute.
How to switch
Open Edge, click the three dots in the top-right corner, and choose Settings.
Click Privacy, search, and services.
Scroll down and click Address bar and search. In some versions it sits under “Search and connected services” or a “Services” heading.
Next to “Search engine used in the address bar”, open the dropdown and pick Google.
Also change “Search on new tabs uses search box or address bar” to Address bar. Otherwise the search box on the new tab page can still send you to Bing.
If Google isn’t in the list, go to google.com and do one search. Edge will then detect it, and you can go back and select it.
If Edge keeps switching back to Bing
Check your extensions (the puzzle-piece icon, then Manage extensions) and disable anything that changes search settings.
When Edge shows its “use recommended settings” pop-up after an update, skip it, because accepting it can put Bing back.
Why switch to Google?
Many people find Google’s results more relevant, especially for local searches like Adelaide businesses, opening hours and directions, and for very specific or technical questions. Google also works hard to push spammy, low-quality sites further down the results, and it ties in neatly with Maps, YouTube and Gmail.
To be fair to Bing, the gap has narrowed a lot for everyday searches. Bing also offers Microsoft Rewards points and Copilot built in. If privacy matters most to you, DuckDuckGo is in the same dropdown. In the end, use whichever gives you the best results.