Google Chrome is undoubtedly the go-to browser for many on desktop and mobile. Unsurprisingly, the browser comes with Google as the default search engine. Some users report that their Google Chrome automatically changes the search engine to Bing. As far as the search results go, Microsoft’s Bing still has a lot to catch up with Google.
We have seen Bing being as good as Google in the United States. Outside the home market, it’s been hit and miss for Bing. Google Chrome search engine changing to Bing can be a real headache for users, especially when you are unaware of the root cause.
This post will discuss the six best ways to fix the Google Chrome search engine changing to the Bing issue.
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1. Manually Change Google Search Engine
There can be times when your friends or little cousin decides to have some fun with you. Someone might 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’s always advisable to check the Settings menu and revert the selection to Google. Follow the steps below.
Step 1: Tap on the three-dot menu at the upper right corner.
Step 2: Go to Settings > Search Engine.
Step 3: Select the Search engine used in the address bar and set it on Google.
Step 4: Scroll down and select the Manage Search Engine menu. Fiend Bing on the list and remove it from the Chrome browser.
2. Disable Chrome Extensions
Do you know Microsoft offers a Bing extension to force change 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 get into your browser via outdated extensions. In some cases, any malicious extension might be preferring the Bing search engine instead of Google.
Because of that, the easiest solution is to disable all extensions and then enable only the ones you need one at a time.
Step 1: Open Google Chrome, tap on the three-dot menu at the top.
Step 2: Navigate to More tools > Extensions.
Step 3: It will open the Extension menu. Tap on 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 have messed up the Chrome Settings earlier, then it’s time to reset Chrome settings to the default. Go through the steps below.
Step 1: Open Google Chrome and tap on the three-dot menu in the upper right corner.
Step 2: Scroll down the Settings tab, and then click the Advanced button.
Step 3: Scroll down to the Restore settings to their original defaults option shown directly below. Then click the Restore settings to their original defaults option.
Step 4: Press the Reset settings button to confirm.
Remember, resetting Google Chrome will also disable all extensions and clear temporary data like cookies and cache. It won’t clear your bookmarks, history, and saved passwords.
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4. Use Chrome Malware
The problem can be linked to the Bing Search redirect virus or malware. This virus or malware works by redirecting your browser to multiple sites and then deposing you onto the Bing site. The hackers generate revenue from clicks and even collect personal data and track your internet activity.
Google Chrome does offer an integrated anti-malware scanner that will scan your computer and find any problems.
Step 1: Open Chrome and go to Settings.
Step 2: Scroll down and click Advanced to open all settings.
Step 3: Scroll down to the Reset and clean up section and click Clean up computer.
That will open a window where you can launch the Chrome malware scan. Just select the Find button to start the scan. Alternatively, we recommend installing and running Malwarebytes to figure out and delete any malware.
5. Scan PC Using Windows Defender
If you are still experiencing issues after the Google Chrome malware scan, try using Windows Defender on the Windows 10 scan. As you may know, Windows Defender is Microsoft’s built-in solution to remove malware from the device.
Open Windows Defender (now Microsoft Defender) and use the Quick scan option to identify any harmful elements on the device. You can also opt for the full PC scan, but it might take a long time, depending on the device’s storage.
Don’t worry. You can minimize the app and continue doing your work as usual.
6. Ditch Google Chrome
If you are still facing Bing search engine directs on the Google Chrome browser, it’s time to ditch it in favor of an alternative.
Microsoft Edge is one of the best Chrome alternatives. It’s Chromium-based, available on all platforms, and supports all the Google Chrome extensions.
Another Solid Google Chrome rival is Firefox. Mozilla has improved Firefox offering by leaps and bounds in recent times. It’s worth a look.
You can also opt for privacy browsers such as Safari and Brave on the desktop.
Start Using Google Again
Using the tricks above, you can easily fix Google Chrome using the Bing search engine instead of Google. Go through the steps above and tell us which trick worked for you in the comments section below.
Next up:
Are you getting too many notifications from Google Chrome? Read the post below to learn why it’s happening and how to fix it.
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