Bing. It’s there. Sometimes you want it, sometimes you don’t. But if you’re reading this, you’re probably in the “don’t” camp. Many users find themselves unintentionally using Bing as their default search engine, often after a software update or new program installation. This article will guide you through the process of completely removing Bing from your laptop and setting your preferred search engine as the default. This comprehensive guide is for anyone using Windows 10 or Windows 11.
Understanding Why Bing Might Be Sticking Around
Before diving into the “how,” let’s understand the “why.” Bing often creeps into your system via bundled software installations. When installing free programs or utilities, pay close attention to the installation wizard. Often, there are checkboxes that pre-select Bing as your default search engine and install the Bing toolbar. Always choose the “Custom” or “Advanced” installation option to uncheck these unwanted additions.
Another common culprit is Microsoft Edge. As Microsoft’s default browser, Edge is naturally configured to use Bing. However, Edge is highly customizable, and you can easily change the default search engine. Finally, malware or potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) can also redirect your search queries to Bing. These malicious programs often change browser settings without your consent.
Removing Bing as Your Default Search Engine in Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge, while a capable browser, is tightly integrated with Bing. Therefore, changing the default search engine in Edge is crucial. Here’s how to banish Bing from your Edge browser:
First, open Microsoft Edge. In the top-right corner, click the three horizontal dots (the “Settings and more” menu). From the dropdown menu, select “Settings.”
Next, in the left-hand menu, click on “Privacy, search, and services.” Scroll down to the “Services” section.
Then, click on “Address bar and search.” You’ll see an option labeled “Search engine used in the address bar.” Click the dropdown menu next to it.
From the list, choose your preferred search engine, such as Google, DuckDuckGo, or another search engine you prefer. If your preferred search engine isn’t listed, you’ll need to add it manually (explained in the next section).
Finally, below the search engine selection, you’ll find “Manage search engines.” Click on this. This opens a list of all installed search engines.
Here, you can remove Bing entirely. Locate Bing in the list. Hover your mouse over it, and you’ll see three dots appear. Click these dots and select “Remove.” Bing should now be gone from your Edge search engine options.
Adding a Search Engine Manually to Microsoft Edge
If your desired search engine isn’t available in the default list in Edge, don’t worry. You can add it manually:
Go to the “Manage search engines” page (as described in the previous section). Click the “Add” button.
A pop-up window will appear. Fill in the following fields:
- Search engine: Enter the name of your preferred search engine (e.g., Google).
- Shortcut: Enter a short keyword that you can use to trigger the search engine (e.g., google).
- Search URL with %s in place of query: This is the most important part. You need to find the correct search URL for your desired search engine. This URL typically looks like
https://www.example.com/search?q=%s. For Google, it ishttps://www.google.com/search?q=%s. For DuckDuckGo, it ishttps://duckduckgo.com/?q=%s. Replace “example.com” with the actual domain of your search engine.
Click “Add” to save your new search engine. You can then select it as your default search engine from the “Search engine used in the address bar” setting.
Removing Bing Extensions from Microsoft Edge
Sometimes, Bing might linger in Edge through an installed extension. To remove these:
Open Microsoft Edge. Click the three horizontal dots in the top-right corner, and select “Extensions.”
This will open the Extensions page. Review the list of installed extensions. Look for any extensions related to Bing or any extensions that you don’t recognize.
If you find any suspicious extensions, click the “Remove” button below them. A confirmation prompt will appear. Click “Remove” again to uninstall the extension. It is recommended to remove any extension you are not familiar with, as they can pose a security risk.
Preventing Bing from Reinstalling on Microsoft Edge
After removing Bing, you’ll want to ensure it doesn’t sneak back in. Here are some preventive measures:
Be cautious when installing new software. Always choose the “Custom” or “Advanced” installation option. Carefully read each screen and uncheck any boxes that offer to install the Bing toolbar or set Bing as your default search engine.
Regularly review your installed extensions in Edge. Remove any extensions that you don’t need or recognize.
Consider using a reputable antivirus program to scan your system for malware and PUPs. These programs can detect and remove software that might try to change your browser settings without your consent.
Removing Bing from Other Browsers (Chrome, Firefox)
If you use other browsers like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, you’ll need to remove Bing from them as well. The process is similar to removing it from Edge:
Google Chrome
Open Chrome. Click the three vertical dots in the top-right corner and select “Settings.” In the left-hand menu, click “Search engine.”
You’ll see a dropdown menu labeled “Search engine used in the address bar.” Choose your preferred search engine from the list.
Next, click “Manage search engines and site search.” Locate Bing in the list. Click the three vertical dots next to Bing and select “Remove from list.”
Mozilla Firefox
Open Firefox. Click the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner and select “Settings.” In the left-hand menu, click “Search.”
Under “Default Search Engine,” choose your preferred search engine from the dropdown menu.
Below, you’ll see “Search Shortcuts.” Locate Bing in the list. Click on Bing and then click the “Remove” button.
Uninstalling Bing Desktop (If Installed)
Some users might have Bing Desktop installed, a separate application that provides Bing wallpapers and search functionality. If you have Bing Desktop installed, you’ll need to uninstall it:
Open the Control Panel. In Windows 10, you can search for “Control Panel” in the Start menu. In Windows 11, right-click the Start button and select “Apps and Features.”
In the Control Panel, under “Programs,” click “Uninstall a program.” In Windows 11, this list automatically appears under “Apps and Features”.
Locate “Bing Desktop” in the list of installed programs. Click on it and then click the “Uninstall” button at the top. Follow the on-screen instructions to uninstall Bing Desktop.
Checking for and Removing Bing-Related Programs and Scheduled Tasks
Sometimes, Bing might be associated with other programs or scheduled tasks running in the background. Here’s how to investigate and remove them:
Open Task Manager. Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager.
In the “Processes” tab, look for any processes that are named “Bing” or that seem suspicious. If you find any, right-click on them and select “Open File Location.” This will show you the location of the program’s executable file.
If you’re unsure about a process, search its name online to learn more about it.
If you determine that a process is related to Bing and shouldn’t be running, end the process by right-clicking on it and selecting “End task.”
Next, go to the “Startup” tab in Task Manager. This tab shows the programs that automatically start when you log in to Windows. Look for any Bing-related programs in the list. If you find any, disable them by right-clicking on them and selecting “Disable.”
Open Task Scheduler. Search for “Task Scheduler” in the Start menu.
In Task Scheduler, expand the “Task Scheduler Library” in the left-hand pane. Look for any tasks that are named “Bing” or that seem suspicious.
If you find any, right-click on them and select “Disable” or “Delete.” Be cautious when deleting tasks, as deleting important system tasks can cause problems.
Scanning for Malware and Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs)
Malware and PUPs can often be the root cause of unwanted browser changes. Running a thorough scan with a reputable antivirus program is essential:
Make sure your antivirus software is up to date. Most antivirus programs have an “Update” button or option in their settings.
Run a full system scan. This can take some time, so be patient.
If the scan detects any malware or PUPs, follow the program’s instructions to remove them.
After the scan is complete, restart your computer.
Consider using a second opinion scanner. These are standalone tools that you can use in addition to your regular antivirus program to catch anything that your main antivirus might have missed. Examples include Malwarebytes and HitmanPro.
Resetting Your Browser to Default Settings
If you’ve tried all the previous steps and Bing is still stubbornly clinging to your browser, you can try resetting your browser to its default settings. This will remove all customizations, extensions, and search engine settings, effectively giving you a clean slate. Be warned: This will also remove your saved passwords, bookmarks, and other personal settings. Therefore, back up any important data before proceeding.
Microsoft Edge
Open Microsoft Edge. Click the three horizontal dots in the top-right corner and select “Settings.”
In the left-hand menu, click “Reset settings.”
Click “Restore settings to their default values.” A confirmation prompt will appear. Click “Reset” to confirm.
Google Chrome
Open Chrome. Click the three vertical dots in the top-right corner and select “Settings.”
In the left-hand menu, click “Reset and clean up.”
Click “Restore settings to their original defaults.” A confirmation prompt will appear. Click “Reset settings” to confirm.
Mozilla Firefox
Open Firefox. Click the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner and select “Help.”
Select “Troubleshooting Information.”
Click the “Refresh Firefox” button. A confirmation prompt will appear. Click “Refresh Firefox” to confirm.
Final Checks and Precautions
After following all the steps above, perform a final check to ensure that Bing is truly gone. Open your browser and type a search query into the address bar. Verify that your preferred search engine is being used.
Regularly review your browser settings and extensions to prevent Bing from returning. Be cautious when installing new software and always choose the “Custom” or “Advanced” installation option. Keep your antivirus software up to date and run regular scans. By following these precautions, you can keep Bing at bay and enjoy a browsing experience tailored to your preferences.
If, after all this, Bing still appears, it’s possible there’s a deeper system issue. In this rare case, consider seeking help from a computer repair professional or consulting online technical forums for advanced troubleshooting advice. However, for the vast majority of users, these steps should successfully remove Bing and restore their preferred search engine.
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Why is Bing often the default search engine, and is it safe?
Bing is often the default search engine on new Windows computers because Microsoft, the developer of Windows, promotes its own search engine. This is a common business practice, allowing Microsoft to drive traffic and usage to their services. By setting Bing as the default, they ensure that many users will interact with it, even if they might otherwise prefer a different search engine.
Bing is generally considered safe to use. It’s a legitimate search engine with robust security measures in place. However, like any search engine, it can occasionally return results that lead to malicious websites. It’s crucial to practice safe browsing habits, such as carefully evaluating search results and being wary of suspicious links, regardless of the search engine you’re using.
How do I change my default search engine in different web browsers?
Changing your default search engine varies slightly depending on the browser you’re using. In Google Chrome, navigate to Settings > Search engine and select your preferred search engine from the dropdown menu. In Mozilla Firefox, go to Options > Search and choose your preferred engine. For Microsoft Edge, go to Settings > Privacy, search, and services, then scroll down to “Address bar and search” and select your desired search engine.
Most browsers also allow you to add custom search engines. This can be useful if you want to use a less common or specialized search engine. Look for options like “Manage search engines” within the settings mentioned above to add and configure custom search options. Remember to restart your browser after making these changes to ensure they take effect.
What if Bing keeps reappearing as my default search engine?
If Bing repeatedly reverts to being your default search engine, it’s likely that a program or extension is actively changing your browser settings. This is often caused by potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) or browser hijackers that come bundled with other software. These programs may change your settings without your explicit consent to generate advertising revenue or collect data.
To fix this, first, uninstall any recently installed or suspicious programs from your computer through the Control Panel (Windows) or Applications folder (macOS). Then, check your browser extensions and remove any that you don’t recognize or that seem suspicious. Finally, run a scan with a reputable antivirus or anti-malware program to detect and remove any remaining malware that might be altering your search settings.
How can I prevent unwanted programs from changing my browser settings in the future?
To prevent unwanted programs from changing your browser settings in the future, be cautious when installing software. Always read the terms and conditions carefully and pay attention to any checkboxes or options presented during the installation process. Many programs bundle additional software that you may not want, so uncheck any options that offer to install bundled software, browser toolbars, or change your default search engine.
Furthermore, keep your operating system, browser, and antivirus software up-to-date. Security updates often include patches that address vulnerabilities that could be exploited by unwanted programs. Also, be wary of downloading software from untrusted sources and consider using a browser extension that blocks potentially unwanted programs and protects your browser settings.
Are there any privacy concerns associated with using Bing?
Like any major search engine, Bing collects data about your searches and browsing activity to personalize your experience and serve targeted advertisements. This data can include your search queries, location, IP address, and the websites you visit. Microsoft uses this information to improve its search results and provide you with more relevant ads. However, this data collection raises privacy concerns for some users.
Microsoft provides privacy settings that allow you to control the amount of data collected. You can adjust these settings in your Microsoft account to limit ad personalization, clear your search history, and manage your location information. Additionally, you can use privacy-focused search engines that prioritize user privacy and do not track your searches or collect your personal information. DuckDuckGo is a popular example.
What are some alternative search engines besides Google?
Besides Google and Bing, several alternative search engines offer different features and prioritize different values. DuckDuckGo is a privacy-focused search engine that does not track your searches or collect your personal information. It’s a good option if you’re concerned about your online privacy. Another alternative is Startpage, which provides Google search results while protecting your privacy by not logging your searches.
Other search engines include Swisscows, a family-friendly search engine that filters out inappropriate content, and Ecosia, a search engine that uses its profits to plant trees. Each of these alternatives offers a different approach to search, providing users with more choice and control over their online experience. Consider exploring these options to find a search engine that best meets your needs and preferences.
How can I completely remove Bing from my computer?
Completely removing Bing from your computer involves more than just changing your default search engine. Since Bing is integrated into several Microsoft products, it’s impossible to completely uninstall it. However, you can effectively minimize its presence by changing your browser settings, removing related apps, and disabling Bing-related features.
First, change your default search engine in all your browsers as described earlier. Then, uninstall any Bing-related apps, such as the Bing Bar or Bing Desktop, through the Control Panel (Windows) or Applications folder (macOS). Finally, disable Bing search suggestions in Windows settings by going to Settings > Search > Permissions & History and turning off “Cloud content search.” This will prevent Bing from appearing in Windows search results.
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