How To Set Google As Default Search Engine In Internet Explorer 9
Posted September 16, 2010 – 11:31 am in: IENow that the Internet Explorer 9 beta has been available to download with combined address bar and search box, you can directly search the web right from the address bar. As you can understand, Bing is the default search provider of Internet Explorer 9 browser.
Internet Explorer 9 users who would like to use the default search engine as Google need to install the Google search add-on. Here is how to set Google as the default search engine in IE 9:
Method 1:
1. Launch IE 9 browser.
2. Press the F4 key to see the default search engine. As you can see in the screenshot, Bing is the default search provider. Click Add button to see list of search engine add-ons available for IE 9.
3. Look for Google Search Suggestions add-on and click Add to Internet Explorer button and then select Make this my default search provider option. Click Add button to complete the procedure. Restart the browser to make Google as the default search provider.
Method 2:
1. Run Internet Explorer 9 browser.
2. Click on Tools icon (extreme right icon in the toolbar), and then click Manage add-ons option.
3. In the Add-ons manager, click Search Providers option available in the left pane to see the list of search engine add-ons installed. By default, only Bing search add-on is installed.
4. Click Find more search providers option present at the bottom of the Add-ons manager to view the list of search engine add-ons available for Internet Explorer 9. Scroll-down the page to see Google Search Suggestions add-on.
5. Click Add to Internet Explorer button and then check the box named Make this my default search provider option. And finally click Add button to make Google as your default search provider in Internet Explorer 9 browser.
6. Restart Internet Explorer 9 browser to set Google as default search provider.
Tags: Internet Explorer 9
You Might Also Like:
- 14 Excellent Windows 7 themes
- How to make bootable USB
- 27 Beautiful Vista logon screens
- How to install Windows 7 from USB
- Remove Watermark from Windows 7 desktop



14 Comments
Regarding IE9: When I tried to install Google as the default search, it was listed in the “addons” section, but it was also defined as ‘not available’. Is Google not usable in Internet Explorer 9?
I have the same problem, and cannot change it any way I try. Google does the searches, since I dumped Bing and made google the default, but does not show up anywhere visible on the screen. It just sort of happens sometimes, but I am not at all clear how to get to it.
Google isn’t even listed as a search engine for IE9, and I can’t seem to add it. WTF?
I solved it, it’s the country or region code blocking you. You need to access the US version of the MS addon website and search for it there or find a link from someone who has done so. I couldn’t post the link here I tried, google “google addon ie9 not available” look for arstechnica website that forum has a link.
@ZiN – Thanks v much! The ‘californian’ link from your steps works.
After several attempts, more than 1 hour trying to change this, I finally got there!
All in all, despite good improvements with IE9, Microsoft still persists to annoy us with these almost childish attempts at avoiding competition!! It’s more than embarrassing!
If we want to use Google, (because Bing simply doesn’t work) let us use Google!!
Sorry for the rant – but needs to be said…
Hi intowindows. As we can all see, your authors aren’t actually testing their suggestions. Your instructions do not actually work with Internet Explorer 9. Could you please update yoru directions.
@ James Martin,
Thanks for the update. It seems there have been some changes in the IE Add-ons gallery. Will update the post soon.
Just go to this link and choose your search provider:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/searchguide/en-en/default.mspx
head here, then add google. then go through normal process of adding different search provider in TOOLS. ta-da
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/searchguide/en-en/default.mspx
So how do I change search providers when that page is not working at Microsoft? After several very slow loads it gave me a “service is not available.” Other sites are working fine.
A freind had IE9 and it was bad news!
Now do I want to risk uping to 9 and trying to repair the search engine? Nope stay with 8 until the AH’S fix it or wait for IE 10 which will probably be even worse and have tons of BS that I will never use!
MS Nurds trying to Impress MS Middle Management!
KISS MOFOS!
thanks a lot, the search suggestion featue seems to be available for select countries only, this is the ie link to that add-on http://www.iegallery.com/en-us/Addons/Details/813
Thanks a lot, clark!!!
Clark nailed it, thanks man. I was previously getting “0 results” for search providers following the standard links.