Set IE11 Default Search Provider using Ivanti Workspace Control

Internet Explorer uses Bing out of the box as the only search provider. Adding a provider for everyone in your environment using Ivanti Workspace Control (IWC) is easy as pie: simply add the provider on a reference machine and export the following registry key:

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchScopes\<GUID>]

The search provider guid is a random generated one so it will be different every time you try this. Now we just import the registry setting in IWC and we’re done.

However, if you want to make this everyone’s default search provider it becomes a whole different ballgame. If you set the default provider on your reference machine the following registry value is added:

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchScopes]
DefaultScope=<GUID>

If you simply add this to your IWC registry setting then your users will receive a warning that an unknown application is trying to change your default search engine and prompt them for confirmation. This will disappear in a few seconds and leave them with Bing as the default.

To fix this in IWC you have two options:

Option 1. Force a list of Search Providers (GPO) and only provide one.
This works fine but doesn’t allow your users to add providers of their own choice. Registry values to use are:

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Infodelivery\Restrictions]
AddPolicySearchProviders=1
UsePolicySearchProvidersOnly=1

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchScopes\<GUID>]
DisplayName=<DisplayName for provider>
FaviconURL=<Url for favicon>
URL=<Search URL>

The SearchScopes values can be copied from the regular key mentioned in the beginning.

Option2. Capture the Internet Explorer\User Preferences key.
This will allow you to set the default search provider without the confirmation prompt. This will however overwrite other settings users may have stored in those registry values. Registry values are:

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchScopes]
DefaultScope=<GUID>

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchScopes\<GUID>]
<Add values from reference machine>

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\User Preferences]
<Add values from reference machine> 

Conclusion:
Use option 1 if you only want a single search provider in your environment and use option 2 for new environments or when you’ve confirmed you’re not breaking anything.

Michaja van der Zouwen

Is an all-round IT engineer with special skills in Microsoft, Citrix, RES and VMware products. Loves a challenge in his work and has taught himself scripting. Initially batch scripts, and later PowerShell. This helps him to automate processes and procedures, and to develop his own management tools which can be used every day.

Core qualities
Team player, enthusiastic, eager to learn, sociable, positive

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Football, playing music, watching movies and series

Job description
Senior Technical Specialist