An In-Depth Guide to Making DuckDuckGo Your Default Search Engine on Windows 10
As internet users become more privacy-conscious, many are looking for alternatives to the dominant search engines like Google and Bing. One increasingly popular option is DuckDuckGo, which positions itself as a privacy-focused search engine that doesn’t track users or store personal information. If you want to make DuckDuckGo your default search engine in Windows 10, we’ll walk you through the steps in this guide.
Why Choose DuckDuckGo as Your Default Search Engine?
There are several compelling reasons DuckDuckGo stands out as a default search engine option on Windows 10:
- It doesn’t track searches or build user profiles, making it more private.
- It returns unbiased search results that aren’t filtered by past behavior.
- It has robust encryption, firewalls, and other privacy protections in place.
- Searches are powered by information from hundreds of sources.
- The interface is clean and intuitive without distracting ads.
For many Windows 10 users, these benefits make DuckDuckGo a more appealing daily search engine than the default Microsoft option, Bing. But how exactly do you go about installing it?
Does Cortana work with Bing?
With this, you can ask Cortana using natural language to quickly check your schedule, connect with people, set reminders, or add tasks in Microsoft To Do. You can also find local information, get definitions, and keep track of the latest news, weather, and finance updates with Bing as a Cortana optional connected service.
Can I use Cortana in my Org?
Before your employees can use Cortana in your org, they must be logged in using their Azure AD account through Cortana’s notebook. They must also authorize Cortana to access Microsoft 365 on their behalf. Office 365 Trust Center. Cortana in Windows 10, version 1909 and earlier, isn’t a service governed by the Online Services Terms.
Setting DuckDuckGo as the Default in Your Browser
The easiest way to make DuckDuckGo your default search is by configuring it directly within your preferred Windows browser – whether that’s Microsoft Edge, Chrome, Firefox, or another option. Here’s a quick rundown of how to do this in each major browser:
Microsoft Edge
Edge makes it simple to switch the default. Just head to the DuckDuckGo website and click “Add to Edge”. This will automatically install the DuckDuckGo extension and set it as the default option moving forward.
Google Chrome
After installing the DuckDuckGo Chrome extension from the Chrome Web Store, Chrome will automatically begin using DuckDuckGo for searches. Alternatively, you can go to Settings >Search Engine and select DuckDuckGo as the default there.
Mozilla Firefox
Similarly, installing the DuckDuckGo Firefox add-on from Mozilla’s site configures it as the default search. You can also manually select it by going to Options >Search >Default Search Engine.
Using a Third-Party Utility for Maximum Configurability
If you want more customization options for setting DuckDuckGo as the default search engine across Windows 10 – including in Cortana and the taskbar – a third-party utility can help. Tools like Default App Manager give granular control over default search engine settings.
What data does Cortana access?
When you’re signed in, Cortana accesses certain data about you, such as your contacts and calendar details. You can learn more in the Microsoft Privacy Statement. In Windows, your employer’s administrator can allow or disable your ability to sign in to Cortana with your work or school account.
How do I enable or disable Cortana?
You must be signed in as an administrator to enable or disable Cortana. The Local Group Policy Editor is only available in the Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions. All editions can use Option Two below. 1 Open the Local Group Policy Editor. Computer Configuration/Administrative Templates/Windows Components/Search
Is Cortana a service governed by the online services terms?
Cortana in Windows 10, version 1909 and earlier, isn’t a service governed by the Online Services Terms. Learn more about how Cortana in Windows 10, versions 1909 and earlier, treats your data. Windows Information Protection (WIP). If you want to secure the calendar, email, and contact info provided to Cortana on a device, you can use WIP.
After installing Default App Manager, you’re able to independently configure the default search engine for Cortana, Microsoft Edge, Internet Explorer, and Chrome. This makes it easy to universally set DuckDuckGo as the default with a couple clicks. There are also advanced settings available for fine-tuning search engine behavior.
Is It Possible to Change the Search Engine in Cortana Directly?
In the past, Windows 10 included options to directly change Cortana’s search engine in Settings or via Registry tweaks. However, Microsoft has removed this functionality from recent Windows 10 releases. Attempting Registry edits may now lead to system instability.
To avoid corrupting your system, we don’t recommend trying to alter Cortana’s search functions beyond the methods above. Using a third-party tool is the most reliable approach if you want to override the default Bing searches in Cortana.
Why Might Microsoft Restrict Search Engine Changes?
Some speculate Microsoft’s decisions to restrict search engine customization options in Windows 10 relate to promoting Bing and collecting user data for advertising. However, Microsoft maintains it’s primarily for security – limiting changes to Cortana protects users by reducing reliance on unfamiliar third-party services.
Does Cortana work on iOS & Android devices?
On iOS and Android devices, Cortana only works when you sign in. This tutorial will show you how to enable or disable Cortana for all users in Windows 10. You must be signed in as an administrator to enable or disable Cortana. The Local Group Policy Editor is only available in the Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.
How does Cortana work in Microsoft 365?
Cortana is a personal productivity assistant in Microsoft 365, helping your users achieve more with less effort and focus on what matters. The Cortana app in Windows 10 and Windows 11 helps users quickly get information across Microsoft 365, using typed or spoken queries to connect with people, check calendars, set reminders, add tasks, and more.
Does Cortana support Azure AD?
Cortana enterprise services that can be accessed using Azure AD through Cortana meet the same enterprise-level privacy, security, and compliance promises as reflected in the Online Services Terms (OST). To learn more, see Cortana in Microsoft 365. How does Microsoft store, retain, process, and use Customer Data in Cortana?
How do I configure Cortana in my enterprise?
For specific info about how to set, manage, and use each of these MDM policies to configure Cortana in your enterprise, see the Policy CSP. Group policy: Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Search\Allow Cortana Description: Specifies if users can use Cortana.
There are reasonable arguments on both sides. As a consumer looking for more privacy, your best option is still migrating your various search functions to independent alternatives like DuckDuckGo. The benefits outweigh the relatively minor inconvenience of extra setup steps.
Voice Your Feedback Directly to Microsoft
If you want Microsoft to reconsider its stance on limiting search engine customization in future Windows releases, don’t hesitate to provide feedback. The Windows Feedback Hub makes it easy to suggest new features or changes.
With enough user engagement, Microsoft may open Cortana and other search functions back up to greater configuration flexibility. But for now, the methods outlined here should still allow you to successfully make DuckDuckGo the default across your Windows 10 machine.
Take Your Privacy Back with DuckDuckGo
Following this guide, you should now be able to enjoy DuckDuckGo as your default search engine across Windows 10 browsers and systems. Take some time to familiarize yourself with DuckDuckGo’s interface – including handy “!bangs” for quick access to specific sites – to get the most out of its robust functionality.
How do I uninstall Cortana?
Starting with Windows 11 build 25921 (Canary), you can uninstall Cortana like any other app. The Local Group Policy Editor is only available in the Windows 10/11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions. All editions can use Option Two to configure the same policy. 1 Open the Local Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc).
How do I enable GPEdit in Cortana?
Here’s how: 1. Type gpedit.msc in the taskbar search bar and hit Enter to open the Local Group Policy Editor. 2. Navigate to the following settings: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Search. 3. Double-click on Allow Cortana to open its settings box.
As internet users become savvier about protecting their privacy, alternatives like DuckDuckGo will only continue gaining prominence. Getting it set up in your Windows environment is a great first step toward taking control of your online information.
Have you made the switch? What other Microsoft or Windows features would you like to see enhanced with more privacy options? Let us know in the comments!
