Search Deflector icon

Search Deflector

3.0/5 3
Certified 100% FREE MIT License     /  Donationware   

Redirect all searches conducted from your internal Windows Start Menu or Cortana to any chosen browser and use your preferred search engine to bypass the Windows OS defaults #Redirect Search  #Start Menu Search  #Cortana Search  #Search  #Engine  #Browser  

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4.5/5

Search Deflector is a free program that will deflect your Windows OS Search defaults and redirect all your search inputs towards the desired browser and search engine.

For Windows users, accessibility is not quite the first thing that comes to your mind when comparing your preferred OS with other ones. However, customizability definitely is a strong plus. You can always benefit from free, creative open-source initiatives to make your system more convenient and in sync with your needs.

Search Deflector is an open-source program that was built in Python and will help your bypass the Windows default search functions. Searching on Bing or using Edge will no longer be a problem. The small-packed tool gets installed super easily and has an initial wizard where you set your preferences.

After going through the 3-minute-maximum process, you have to start typing your search; once Search Deflector appears as a suggestion, choose to open the search input with deflector.exe and check the 'Always use this app' box. Simple as that, you are good to go.

To accurately set your tool, you must go through the basic option settings. Firstly, choose your preferred browser and search engine using the dedicated categories and dropdown options. If you want to customize the tool or troubleshoot any issues, check this extensive guide published by the developer.

Setting your preferred search engine and browser can also be done using customizable options. The 'Browser executable' function will allow you to set, via a system path, any given program you use to navigate the Internet. Equally, using the custom option, you can set your search engine to be anything you like. Just insert its URL address, customize it by adding parameters, and you are set with your preferred search engine.

To summarize, Search Deflector is a program that will make your life easier and using the Windows search function a little less frustrating. It is a straightforward tool with clear setups and smooth functioning. The GUI could be improved to look more modern, but overall, the tool is totally worth using and installing. First, I would recommend testing it; if you like it, buy it from the Microsoft Store to support the developer and future improvements.

What's new in Search Deflector 1.3.2:

  • Changes:
  • Fixed bug where the deflector was not using the user's preferred browser
  • Fixed bug that stopped the user from using website results from the right pane of the search window
  • Improved handling of loading registry values, now will use defaults for each entry
Read the full changelog

Search Deflector 1.3.2

add to watchlist add to download basket send us an update REPORT
  runs on:
Windows 10 32/64 bit
Windows 8 32/64 bit
Windows 7 32/64 bit
  file size:
1.5 MB
  filename:
SearchDeflector-Installer.exe
  6 screenshots:
Search Deflector - The search is done internally by clicking the Windows Menu button and typing your searchSearch Deflector - Upon installing, go through the minor setup wizard that will determine your preferred browserSearch Deflector - After selecting the preferred browser, choose your needed search engineSearch Deflector - screenshot #4Search Deflector - screenshot #5Search Deflector - screenshot #6
  main category:
Internet
  developer:
  visit homepage

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