Yes, you can change Cortana's search engine, but the process depends on which Windows version you use

Cortana defaults to Bing for all searches, but you can redirect it to Google, DuckDuckGo, or another search engine on Windows 10 and Windows 11. The method differs significantly between versions, and some routes are more reliable than others. On Windows 10, you change the setting in Cortana's own preferences. On Windows 11, Cortana no longer has a built-in option to switch search engines, so you have to change your system-wide default instead — which affects the entire search box, not just Cortana.

The good news is that both methods take less than a minute once you know where to look. The frustrating part is that Windows sometimes reverts your choice after an update, so you may need to change it more than once.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows 10 users can change Cortana's search engine directly through Cortana Settings > Permissions > Search Permissions.
  • Windows 11 does not offer a Cortana-specific search engine setting, so you must change your system default through Settings > Privacy & Security > Search Permissions.
  • Changing the system default in Windows 11 affects the taskbar search box and File Explorer search, not just Cortana.
  • If you switch search engines but Cortana still uses Bing, clearing your browser cache and restarting Windows often fixes the problem.

How to change Cortana's search engine on Windows 10

Open Cortana by clicking the search box on your taskbar or pressing the Windows key + S. Click the gear icon in the left sidebar to open Settings. Select Permissions, then Search Permissions. Under "SafeSearch", you will see a dropdown menu that currently shows Bing. Click it and choose Google, Bing, Yahoo, or DuckDuckGo.

Once you select a new engine, Cortana will use it for all future searches. The change takes effect when ready — you do not need to restart Windows. If Cortana continues to use Bing after you change the setting, close Cortana completely, clear your browser cache, and reopen it. This usually resolves the issue within a few minutes.

How to change the search engine on Windows 11

Windows 11 removed the Cortana-specific search engine setting, so you have to change your system default instead. Open Settings and go to Privacy & Security. Scroll down and click Search Permissions. Under "Search on the web", you will see a dropdown showing your current default — usually Bing. Click it and select Google, Yahoo, DuckDuckGo, or another available option.

This change affects the search box in your taskbar, File Explorer, and Cortana all at once. You cannot set a different engine for Cortana alone on Windows 11. After you change the setting, restart your computer to make sure the new engine takes effect across all search functions. The restart is important — without it, some searches may still route to Bing.

Why Cortana keeps using Bing even after you change the setting

Sometimes the search engine reverts to Bing or does not change at all, even after you update the setting. This usually happens because Windows has cached the old preference or because Cortana did not fully close before you made the change. Close Cortana completely by right-clicking it in the taskbar and selecting Close window, then open Settings and confirm the search engine is still set to your choice.

If it has reverted, change it again and restart your computer. On Windows 10, you can also try clearing your browser cache: open your default browser, press Ctrl + Shift + Delete, select All time, check Cookies and other site data, and click Clear data. Then restart Cortana and test a search. Windows updates sometimes reset your preference to Bing as well, so check your settings after any major update.

What search engines work with Cortana

The available options depend on your Windows version and region. On Windows 10, Cortana officially supports Bing, Google, Yahoo, and DuckDuckGo. Windows 11 offers the same four in most regions, though availability can vary by country. You cannot set a custom search engine that is not on the list — Cortana does not have a field for entering a URL or adding a third-party engine.

If you want to use a search engine that is not listed, your only option is to use your web browser instead of Cortana. Open your browser, go to its settings, and change the default search engine there. This does not affect Cortana, but it means your browser searches will use your preferred engine while Cortana remains limited to the four official options.

The difference between changing Cortana's engine and your browser's engine

Cortana is a separate search tool from your web browser. If you use Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge, changing your browser's default search engine does not change what Cortana uses — you have to change both separately. Conversely, changing Cortana's search engine does not affect your browser. If you want all your searches to go through the same engine, you need to update the setting in both places.

On Windows 11, changing the system search engine does affect Cortana, but it also changes the taskbar search box and File Explorer search. If you prefer Bing for Cortana but Google for your browser, you will have to choose one default for the system and use your browser for the other. This is a limitation of Windows 11's design — there is no way around it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Google with Cortana on Windows 11?

Yes. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Search Permissions and select Google from the dropdown. This changes your system-wide search engine, so Cortana, the taskbar search, and File Explorer will all use Google.

Why does Cortana keep switching back to Bing?

Windows updates sometimes reset your search engine preference to Bing. After a major update, check your search settings again and reselect your preferred engine. Restarting your computer after making the change helps prevent it from reverting.

Can I set a different search engine for Cortana and my browser?

Yes. Change Cortana's search engine through Windows Settings, then open your browser and change its default search engine separately in the browser's own settings. They operate independently.

Does changing the search engine affect Cortana's other features?

No. Changing the search engine only affects where web search results come from. Cortana's other functions — reminders, calendar integration, voice commands, and local file search — work the same regardless of which search engine you choose.

What if my search engine is not on the list?

Cortana only supports Bing, Google, Yahoo, and DuckDuckGo. If you want to use a different engine, use your web browser instead. You cannot add a custom search engine to Cortana.