Windows Upgrade Help and more

When I use the search box on my Windows taskbar, the results always launch in Microsoft Edge. I don't use Edge as my main browser; I have another one set as my default. How can I make it so that any web links from that search open in my preferred browser instead? I've looked for a setting but can't seem to find the right one to change this behavior.

This is a common frustration! Even with another browser set as default, Windows Search uses Edge for its web results. The good news is, there's a free setting to change this.

Here’s how to fix it in Windows 11:
1. Open **Settings** (Win + I).
2. Go to **Privacy & security** > **Search permissions**.
3. Scroll down to the very bottom and find **"Microsoft Edge"**.
4. You'll see an option labeled **"Search in the sidebar and use Microsoft Edge for web results."** Simply toggle this switch **Off**.

Once you do this, your next web search from the taskbar will ask which browser to use. Select your preferred browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox) and check the box to "Always use this app." From then on, links should open directly in your default browser.

If that specific setting isn't showing for you, double-check that your preferred browser is definitively set as default in **Settings > Apps > Default apps**.

It's a bit hidden, but that should do the trick! Let us know if you run into any issues and we can try another angle.

Test direct reply - delete me

Yeah, that's a common annoyance. A quick extra tip: you can also try right-clicking the search result and selecting "Open in [your browser]" if the option appears.

This. Agreed, and one more thing—sometimes resetting your default browser in Windows Settings again can help if the links keep reverting to Edge.

+1 Also, try checking if there's an extension or setting in your preferred browser that helps it claim those searches.

+1 You could also try going into Windows Settings > Apps > Default apps and make sure your browser is set to handle HTTP and HTTPS links.

Yeah, I had the same problem. Even after setting my default browser, I had to go into Edge's settings itself and turn off the option that lets it start on startup and handle links. Let me know if that works.

Agreed. Also, if that doesn't fully work, try going into your default browser's settings and making sure it's registered to handle HTTP and HTTPS links.

Yeah, that's the way to go. One extra thing: sometimes you need to restart your PC after changing those defaults for it to really stick.