Search with the Internet Explorer 9 Address bar

You can search the Internet directly from the Windows Internet Explorer 9 Address bar and choose what search engine to use. You can also allow a search engine to suggest search terms or results as you type them.

Watch this video to learn how to search with the Internet Explorer 9 Address bar (0:45)

To search the Internet in the Address bar

Open Internet Explorer by clicking the Start button . In the search box, type Internet Explorer, and then, in the list of results, click Internet Explorer.
Type a word or phrase in the Address bar, select a search provider icon at the bottom of the expanded Address bar, and then press Enter.

Tip

If you're searching within an organization with an intranet, type a search term that matches the web address for a webpage and the Notification bar will ask if you want to visit the webpage. Click Yes to go to the directly to the webpage whenever you type the same term.

To add a search provider

Open Internet Explorer by clicking the Start button . In the search box, type Internet Explorer, and then, in the list of results, click Internet Explorer.
Click the Show Address bar Autocomplete button, and then click Add in the lower right corner for the Address bar.
In the Add-ons Gallery, choose a search provider, and then click Add to Internet Explorer.
In the Add Search Provider dialog box, you can do one or more of the following:
- To use a search provider automatically, select the Make this my default search provider check box.
- To go directly to the search provider's top result when you search, select the If the address I type in the address bar can't be found, open the top search result check box.
- To see suggested search terms or results from the search provider as you type, select the Use search suggestions from this provider check box.
Click Add.
Notes
- You can turn search suggestions on or off. In the Address bar, click Turn on suggestions or Turn off suggestions.
- For information about removing search providers, see Managing add-ons in Internet Explorer 9.

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Applies to all editions of Windows 7.

Search with the Internet Explorer 9 Address bar

To search the Internet in the Address bar

Tip

To add a search provider

Notes