Google Chrome is undoubtedly the go-to browser for many on desktop and mobile devices. Unsurprisingly, the browser comes with Google as its default search engine. Some users report that Google Chrome automatically changes the search engine to Bing. As for the search results, Microsoft's Bing still has a lot of work to do to reach Google Chrome.
We have seen that Bing is as good as Google in the US. Outside of that market, Bing has been hit and miss. Switching from Google Chrome search engine to Bing can be a real headache for users, especially when you don't know the root cause. This post will tell you six solutions for when Google Chrome automatically changes search engine to Bing.
1. Manually edit the Google search engine
There may be times when your friends or your cousin decide to have some fun with you. Someone may have changed the default search engine from the Google Chrome Settings menu.
Yes, you can change the default search engine on Google Chrome to Bing, Yahoo, or DuckDuckGo. It is always advisable to check the Settings menu and reset the selection to Google. Follow the steps below.
- Tap the three-dot menu in the top right corner.
- Go to Settings> Search Engine.
- Select the search engine used in the address bar and set it to Google.
- Scroll down and select the Manage Search Engine menu. Fiend Bing in the list and remove it from the Chrome browser.
2. Disable Chrome Extensions
Do you know that Microsoft offers a Bing extension to force the change of the default search engine on Google Chrome? No matter what trick you try, you will end up getting search results from Bing.
Browser hijackers are a constant threat to millions of users around the world. Some even find a way to access your browser via outdated extensions. In some cases, any malicious extension might prefer the Bing search engine over Google.
For this reason, the simplest solution is to disable all extensions and then enable only the necessary ones, one at a time.
- Open Google Chrome, tap on the three dot menu at the top.
- Go to More tools> Extensions.
- It will open the Extension menu. Tap the Remove button and remove Chrome extensions.
3. Reset Google Chrome
As mentioned above, Google Chrome uses the Google search engine to deliver search results. If you've messed up your Chrome settings before, it's time to reset Chrome settings to their defaults. Follow the steps below.
- Open Google Chrome and tap the three-dot menu in the top right corner.
- Scroll down on the Settings tab, then click the Advanced button.
- Scroll down to the Reset settings to original defaults option shown directly below. Then click on the option Reset settings to original defaults.
- Press the Reset Settings button to confirm.
Remember, resetting Google Chrome will also disable all extensions and clear temporary data such as cookies and cache. It will not delete your bookmarks, history and saved passwords.
4. Use Chrome Malware
The problem may be related to the Bing Search redirect virus or malware. This virus or malware works by redirecting your browser to multiple sites and then transferring you to the Bing site. Hackers generate revenue from clicks and even collect personal data and track your internet activity.
Google Chrome offers a built-in anti-malware scanner that will scan your computer and find any problems.
- Open Chrome and go to Settings.
- Scroll down and click Advanced to open all settings.
- Scroll down to the Repair and Clean section and click Clean Computer.
A window will open where you can start Chrome's Malware Scan. Just select the Find button to start the scan. Alternatively, we recommend installing and running Malwarebytes to detect and eliminate any malware.
5. Scan your PC using Windows Defender
If you continue to experience problems after Google Chrome's malware scan, try using Windows Defender while scanning Windows 10. As you may know, Windows Defender is Microsoft's built-in solution for removing malware from your device.
Open Windows Defender (now Microsoft Defender) and use the Quick Scan option to identify any malicious items on your device. You can also opt for a full PC scan, but it may take a long time, depending on your device's memory.
Do not worry. You can minimize the app and continue doing your work as usual.
6. Leave Google Chrome
If you're still reading directions on how to do when Google Chrome automatically changes search engine to Bing, it's time to ditch it in favor of an alternative.
Microsoft Edge is one of the best Chrome alternatives. It is based on Chromium, available on all platforms and supports all Google Chrome extensions.
Another solid rival of Google Chrome is Firefox. Mozilla has been improving the Firefox offering by leaps and bounds in recent times. It's worth a look.
You can also opt for privacy browsers like Safari and Brave on the desktop.
Start using Chrome again
By using the tricks above, you can easily troubleshoot Google Chrome using the Bing search engine instead of Google. Follow the steps outlined and tell us which trick worked for you in the comment section below.
