How to Stop Internet Explorer From Searching From the Address Bar

Instead of displaying the traditional "Page Not Found" message when a URL has been mistyped, later versions of Microsoft's Internet Explorer web browser try to help the user find the page by performing a web search for the website. Most users find this feature quite helpful, but some prefer the old "Page Not Found" message and are frustrated by the automatic search. Fortunately, Microsoft has made it simple to toggle this feature on and off.

Things You'll Need

• Internet Explorer

Instructions

1. Open Internet Explorer.

2. Click the "Tools" menu and select "Internet Options."

3. Choose the "Advanced" tab at the top of the window.

4. Scroll through the options until you locate the setting "Search from address bar."

5. Click the setting and select "Do not search from the address bar."

6. Click "OK."

7. Restart Internet explorer for the changes to take effect.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful when you change settings in the "Internet options" menu. These settings can change whether or not you are able to access the Internet. Before changing anything, be certain that you are clicking on the appropriate option.

References

• Disable Search from Address Bar