How To Search The Internet Right From Windows 7 Start Menu

Posted February 23, 2010 – 7:29 pm in: Windows 7 Guides

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Unlike Windows XP and Vista, Windows 7 comes with a hidden but disabled feature that allows you search the Internet right from your Start menu search field.

Once this feature is enabled, you just need to type the search word (keyword) in the Start menu search field and then click Search the Internet option to see the search results in your default browser. First you need to enable this feature by following one of the methods given below.

Method 1: Using Local Group Policy Editor (for Professional, Enterprise & Ultimate editions)

1. Type gpedit.msc in the Start menu search box and hit enter to open Local Group Policy Editor.

2. In the left pane, navigate to User Configuration, Administrative Templates and finally Start Menu and Taskbar.

3. In the right-pane, double-click the first setting named Add Search Internet link to Start Menu and set the status to Enabled.

4. Click Ok and close the Local Group Policy Editor. You are done!

5. From now onwards when type a keyword in the start menu search field you will see Search the Internet option with your default browser’s icon. Simply hit Search the Internet option to get the required result in your primary browser.