How to Fix Search Not Working on Microsoft Edge

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

Searching the web is something we do every day. Whether you are searching from Edge's address bar, or have its homepage set to take you to your favorite search engine's website instead, you've likely gotten accustomed to the way you search on a daily basis. If that search experience has suddenly changed seemingly without warning, that's a clear sign that something is messing with Microsoft Edge's settings without your knowledge or consent.

This guide will help you make sure Edge is configured properly so that your search experience returns to normal once again.

Tools You'll Need:

• A paperclip
• iPhone charging cable
• Access to a computer with iTunes installed
• Any other non-consumable tools needed
• Comment out tools section if no tools are necessary

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Supplies You'll Need:

• Zip ties
• Any other consumable supplies
• Comment out supplies section if no supplies are necessary

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Before You Begin:

• You must have access to a computer with iTunes installed.
• You must have that thing for the other thing so you can do the thing.

You must have this thing before you whatever.

• Title of GP User Should Do First
• Title of GP User Should Do First
• Each individual prereq should have its own box like this. Not all will contain multiple links.
• Comment out prerequisites section if no prereqs are necessary

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Windows

Windows runs on computers produced by multiple companies, such as Lenovo, Asus, Dell, Toshiba, Hewlett Packard, Acer, and Sony.

macOS

Apple is the only company that makes macOS computers.

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2. Clear History and Saved Data

The first order of business is making sure that your browser is not holding onto some outdated or bad data in the form of an old cookie, cached version of the website it may be trying to load, etc. Clearing this data allows your browser to load the websites you're asking it to load freshly as if it had never been there before.

1. Open Microsoft Edge, select the menu in the top right, and select Settings.
   

1. Select Privacy & security on the left, then select Choose what to clear on the right.
   

1. 
   
2. Select the item categories you wish to clear, then select Clear.
   

1. 
   
   SettingCheckboxBrowsing HistoryCheckedWhile you browse Your browser will keep track of every page you visit, to try to make it easier to return. This can become corrupt due to modern active web pages.Cookies and saved website dataCheckedThis clears your cache, making your browser get a new copy of the webpage, images, etc. It's important to clear this to get a fresh copy the next time you visit, as the copy your browser has may simply be corrupt.
   
2. You will have to log back into any pages you use, such as mail or social media.
3. Cached data and filesCheckedThis clears your cache, making your browser get a new copy of the webpage, images, etc. It's important to clear this to get a fresh copy the next time you visit, as the copy your browser has may simply be corrupt.Tabs I've set aside or recently closedCheckedThis clears tabs that you have set aside, as well as tabs that you've recently closed.Download HistoryPersonal ChoiceThese are a list of files you've downloaded recently. It is entirely safe to delete, or keep this list, as it won't affect pages. Checking this option does not delete the files you've downloaded, just the list the browser keeps.Autofill dataUncheckedInformation from entering forms online, such as your name, address, or other filled in information. This does not affect how a page loads, and can slow you down on your most commonly used pages.PasswordsUncheckedYour browser will save your passwords while you browse, making it easier to log into your most common websites later. This does not affect how a page loads, and can slow you down on your most commonly used pages.Media LicensesUncheckedClears any saved media licenses. These are typically used for streaming sites that you may have purchased content from.Website PermissionsUncheckedClears any permission granted to web sites. These permissions include permissions to access your audio devices such as your mic, and location services.

3. Remove Problematic Extensions

Some browser extensions can cause your browser to behave abnormally. Removing any unwanted, unnecessary, or unused browser extensions can get your web browser running properly again.

1. Open Microsoft Edge, then select the menu in the top right.
   

1. Click on Extensions.
   

1. The following steps can be repeated to remove multiple browser extensions:
2. Mouse over the extension you want to remove and click on the Gear icon in the upper right hand corner. You want to remove any extension that mentions advertising, or ones that you just do not know how they got there.
   

1. You will see the information for the extension show up. At the bottom, click on Uninstall.
   

1. There will be a confirmation window, click OK to finish uninstalling.
   

1. Sometimes you might get a tab open up in your browser asking why you are leaving, you can safely close the tab, by clicking on the X for the tab. 
   

It is a good idea to restart your browser to complete the removal of extensions. If you removed a malicious extension, there's a chance it may have changed your homepage settings.

4. Remove Potentially Unwanted Programs

Potentially unwanted programs, or "PUPs", often arrive bundled with your computer or can tag along with another software program you meant to install. Most times, they are snuck into the EULA as a "Recommended Offer" that many of us are so accustomed to just click right through. Lots of these types of programs end up being junkware that your computer will not benefit from. Unfortunately, some of these programs can add unwanted browser toolbars or extensions that can clutter your browser, track your web browsing, show additional advertisements, or change your search page and other related settings. Usually, unless these types of programs are removed, they will continue causing issues with your web browsing experience.

Remove PUPs via Windows 10 Settings

1. Click Start (1), then click Settings (2).
   

1. Next, Select Apps.
   

1. Scroll down and locate the app you wish to remove, and click on Uninstall.
   

1. Carefully read any prompts in case there are special instructions. Proceed until the application is removed.
2. Some applications may require that you reboot.

Remove PUPs via the Control Panel

1. On your keyboard push and release the Windows Key and R at the same time.
   

1. You will see a Run window open up. Type in appwiz.cpl then click on OK.
   

1. Locate a program you wish to remove within the list, click once on it to highlight it, then click on Uninstall.
   

1. Carefully read any prompts in case there are special instructions. Proceed until the application is removed.
2. Some applications may require that your computer be restarted to complete the uninstallation.

Test your browser after removing any PUPs from your machine. This may require you to restart your browser or your computer beforehand depending on what was removed.

5. Verify All Microsoft Edge Settings

If your search experience hasn't returned to normal, the next step is to verify that all of Edge's settings are where they should be in order to provide you with the search experience you're familiar with. If any settings were previously 'hijacked' by a malicious extension and were not reverted back to what they were originally set to, your search experience may still not be right.

1. Open Microsoft Edge, select the menu in the top right, and select Settings.
   

1. Under the Open Microsoft Edge with heading, verify that your homepage settings are what you'd like for them to be.
   

1. Scroll down and click View Advanced Settings.
   

1. If Edge is set to "Show the home button" and "A specific page" is selected for use with that home button, verify the URL of the page it will load it isn't malicious.
   

6. Try Your Search Page Again

1. Open Microsoft Edge.
   

1. Test things out to see if your search experience has returned to normal.
2. If your search experience is still abnormal, we recommend that your machine be professionally diagnosed to determine the root cause of the issue.