Why Does Microsoft Edge Open a Search Page Instead of a Website When You Enter an Address?

If you've noticed that Microsoft Edge opens a search page instead of going directly to a website when you type an address in the address bar, this may be due to a few common reasons. Below, we’ll cover the primary causes and provide solutions to fix this issue.

1. Missing "https://" or "www" Prefix

Microsoft Edge may misinterpret the URL if it doesn’t start with https:// or www, treating it as a search query instead. Try entering the full URL, for example: https://example.com.

2. Default Search Settings

Your Edge settings might be configured to automatically open a search engine for any text without a prefix. To change this, follow these steps:

  • Open Edge Settings (click on the three dots in the upper right corner).
  • Go to Privacy, search, and services, then select Address bar and search.
  • Adjust the settings so that the browser tries to access URLs first before initiating a search.

3. Clear Cache and Browsing History

Edge may sometimes "stick" to cached settings or data, which can interfere with URL handling. To clear your cache and browsing history:

  • Go to Settings > Privacy, search, and services.
  • Look for the Clear browsing data option, and select items like cache and cookies to clear.

4. Check Installed Extensions

Certain extensions may interfere with how the address bar functions. Disable all extensions and see if the issue persists. If it works fine with extensions disabled, re-enable them one by one to find the culprit.

5. Reset Microsoft Edge Settings

If none of the previous methods work, try resetting Edge settings:

  • Go to Settings > Reset settings.
  • Select Restore settings to their default values. This will return Edge to its original settings, which might resolve the issue.

These steps should help you fix the problem if Microsoft Edge opens a search page instead of the intended website when typing a URL. If the issue persists, consider updating Edge to the latest version or contacting support for further assistance.