Google vs. Bing? Why not both? Here's how to use two search engines simultaneously on Microsoft Edge.

Bing search
(Image credit: Future)

What you need to know

  • Microsoft Edge's Sidebar makes it easy to view results from two different search engines within the browser.
  • If you have Google or Bing open in the main portion of Edge, Sidebar search will show results from the other search engine.
  • Search results update automatically as you enter new queries, and you can choose which search engine is used within the Sidebar.

Microsoft Edge features a Sidebar that provides quick access to a variety of tools plus any website you'd like. The feature has received additional focus since it was integrated with Copilot, but there are other handy tools within the Sidebar, such as search. With Sidebar search, you can search the web without having to leave the page that you're on.

Sidebar search defaults to Microsoft's Bing, but you can also use it to search the web with Google, DuckDuckGo, or Yahoo. When you enter a query into a search engine, the results will update at the same time for both search engines that you have open. This provides more answers to your questions. I also imagine that Microsoft views this as an opportunity to show how Bing compares to Google.

How to use Bing and Google in Edge side-by-side

Microsoft Edge Sidebar search

You can view Google and Bing results side-by-side with the Sidebar in Edge. (Image credit: Future)

Microsoft's Mikhail Parakhin highlighted the ability to use two search engines side-by-side by using Edge's Sidebar. Parahkin, who is CEO of Advertising and Web Services at Microsoft, often highlights Edge features on X (formerly Twitter).

In order to use Bing and Google side-by-side, you just need to open Edge's Sidebar and select the search icon. Doing so when you already have a search engine open in the browser will show you a different search engine within the Sidebar. As a quick tip, you can press CTRL+SHIFT+/ to show or hide Edge's Sidebar. You can also click the Copilot button or opt to keep the Sidebar shown at all times.

Any question you ask one search engine will sync with the other open search engine. While many prefer Google or Bing, I find that the search engines have different strengths and weaknesses. Having the option to use both at once is handy, as it's normal for one of them to generate better results to a given question.

How to change search engine in Edge Sidebar

Microsoft Edge Sidebar search

Queries sync across both open search engines when using Edge's Sidebar. (Image credit: Future)

By default, the Edge Sidebar will use Bing to search the web. Even changing your browser's default search engine doesn't seem to change which search engine Sidebar search uses. You can, however, use Google, Yahoo, or other search engines through the Edge Sidebar.

If you are already on Bing within Edge and then use Sidebar search, the Edge Sidebar will show results from a different search engine. The Sidebar does this automatically. I can't imagine anyone would want two sets of Bing search results on the page at once, so it makes sense that Edge's Sidebar swaps to a different search engine.

With Sidebar search open with a different search engine, you can then click an arrow to see a dropdown menu to switch search engines. Google, Yahoo, and DuckDuckGo appear as options in my testing.

Conversely, if you have Google open already and open Sidebar search, the Sidebar will default to Bing. This allows you to see Google and Bing results side-by-side. When you enter a query, both search engines show results, which is a nice touch.

Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He's covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean's journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_. 

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