How to Prevent Programs from Changing Default Search Engine of IE8

Are you really bugged by the ever-increasing number of so called freeware which try to stealthily change the default search engine of your browser? When you realize that the search engine has changed due to installing such crapware, you will have to manually change the default search engine of your browser to get back your previous one. Well, if you are using Internet Explorer 8, there is a way to stop these programs from hijacking your default search provider.

1. Go to Tools –> Manage Add-ons.

2. Click on Search Providers in the left pane.

3. You will find Prevent programs from suggesting changes to my default search provider in the bottom part of this window. Select this option and hit Close.

So the next time you install any software, you don’t have to worry about losing your default search engine in Internet Explorer 8.