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I want to force my Google Chrome web browser (version 21.0.1180.89, 64-bit) to use non-localized search (thus Google in English) through address bar, using the default Google search engine.

To achieve that, I have to change value of the property last_known_google_url to http://www.google.com/search?hl=en& in Local State file (for instance on Linux, the full path to the file is ~/.config/google-chrome/Local State).

In that file, there should be the property:

"browser": {
    "last_known_google_url":

but it is not.

Even if I add the property there, it has no impact on search—Google Chrome does not use the property and still searches in localized version.

Another option is to put the property to Preferences file (for instance on Linux, the full path to the file is ~/.config/google-chrome/Default/Preferences) - which works perfectly when I start Google Chrome and do some search - but just after that, the property (actually the whole Preferences file) is overriden, so "the most important" trailing part ?hl=en& of the property value is removed—and without it, the non-localized search does not work anymore.

Why does Google Chrome ignore last_known_google_url property in Local State file?

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  • The property in Preferences file is not overriden, when I put there something else than .com suffix. For example, if I put there http://www.google.sk/search?hl=en& value - it is not overriden - but again, it is not what I exactly want, because google behaves again little bit different than with .com suffix (for example, google sometimes finds fewer results; there is no "enter query by voice" feature; and little other differences). Sep 2, 2012 at 14:19
  • have you tried adding google.com as Default search engine from Chrome Interface ?
    – Ankit
    Sep 7, 2012 at 15:36
  • 1
    Yes, but the problem is, that the instant search does not work with a custom search engine - therefore I am trying to change the default search engine. Sep 10, 2012 at 20:36

4 Answers 4

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Google Search selects the localized version based on a few factors such as your geographical location (IP address) as well as your Google search preferences. Google Chrome settings actually does not impact which localized version of Google Search.

You can change it by going to http://www.google.com (you should be redirected to the localized version), and clicking on Google.com at the bottom right corner of the webpage. You should see the non-localized version in future searches.

Another alternative is to use the URL http://www.google.com/ncr (ncr = no country redirect), which will redirect you to google.com.

Finally, selecting the display language as well as search result to English will also get Google to return international results.

Google Search settings for Language

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  • 2
    I wanted to use non-localized search through address bar and none of your solutions helped me. Meanwhile, I have got used to search directly from https://www.google.com/?hl=en website so I do not need to search through address bar anymore. Jan 5, 2013 at 13:48
  • You can change the default search through address bar by customizing the search engine: Go to Options > Basic > Default Search > Manage.. Click on the default search engine and change the URL to google.com/?hl=en
    – hanxue
    Jan 5, 2013 at 14:27
  • 1
    Lol, I will write here the same response I have written 2 times so far in this topic in comments - the problem is, that the instant search (which I certainly want to use) does not work with a custom search engine - therefore I am trying to change the default search engine. But I appreciate your help. Jan 6, 2013 at 18:37
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You can simply add google.com as your default search engine by using the chrome settings page (no tweaking needed). This will enable you to use non-localized search through address bar.

Steps to add new search engine:

  • Type chrome://chrome/settings/searchEngines in omnibox (i.e. the search bar)
  • Scroll to the bottom of the dialog and fill out the fields to set up the search engine.
    • Enter a label for the search engine.
    • Keyword : Enter the text shortcut you want to use for the search engine.
    • URL : Enter the web address for the search engine. http://google.com/search?q=%s

Detailed Instructions here.

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  • 1
    It works, but the problem is, that the instant search does not work with a custom search engine - therefore I am trying to change the default search engine. Sep 10, 2012 at 20:34
  • hmmm, the problem is bigger than I thought :)
    – Ankit
    Sep 10, 2012 at 20:38
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After you set the 'last_known_google_url' as administrator, save the file and make it Read Only by right-clicking it and choosing Properties. When the file is Read Only, Chrome cannot "override" or ignore your settings.

By the way, in the new Chrome versions it's no longer Local State file, it's Preferences file located in: %localappdata% > Google\Chrome\User Data\Default

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For an alternative workaround to your issue please follow this method:

  1. Download & Install 'editthiscookie' from: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/editthiscookie/fngmhnnpilhplaeedifhccceomclgfbg?hl=en

  2. Link to https://www.google.com/ncr

  3. Commit search via address bar

  4. Click on 'Editthiscookie' (cookie icon)

  5. Expand .google.com | PREF

  6. Click on the 'lock icon'(left side) to lock this cookie.

-From now on the chrome's default search engine will be google.com. Even if you delete your browser's cookies the 'default search engine' cookie will not be deleted.

*Please note that if you delete Chrome's cookies from a 3rd party software the protected cookie will be deleted as well.

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