How to Change the Default Search Provider in Internet Explorer 10

Tutorial Shortcut — If you’re looking to just quickly Add Google as your default search provider, just click this link: Google Search Provider Download and skip to Step 4 below.

Step 1

Open Internet Explorer 10 in desktop mode and Click the Gear (settings) button at the top-right of the window. From the list select Manage add-ons.

Note that the Metro skinned IE10 has compatibility issues with this, read below for a solution if you have problems.

Troubleshooting: If Manage add-ons is greyed out, press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager and end the process for the immerse Metro Internet Explorer 10 client.

Step 2

In the Add-ons manager click the Search Providers tab. At the bottom of this tab select Find More Search Providers.

Step 3

A new IE10 window should open up that takes you to the Internet Explorer Gallery: search engine section. Now pick your favorite search engine of choice and click on it. In my example, I chose Google to be the first search provider to install.

Step 4

After you click on an add-on click the Add to Internet Explorer button that appears on the add-on’s specific page.

Step 5

A confirmation window will appear. This gives you the option to make this your default search provider. Check the options you want and click Add.

Your new search provider will be ready to go. If you want to change the default back to Bing or another provider, just visit the Search Provider tab in the Manage Add-ons window again. The buttons to change the default or remove it are at the bottom-right of the window.