Google Chrome is undoubtedly the browser of choice for many on desktop and mobile devices. Not surprisingly, the browser comes with Google as its default search engine. Some users are reporting that their Google Chrome automatically changes their search engine to Bing. When it comes to search results, Microsoft’s Bing still has a lot to catch up with Google.
We found Bing to be as good as Google in the United States. Outside of the domestic market, it’s been hit and miss for Bing. Switching the Google Chrome search engine to Bing can be a real headache for users, especially when you are not aware of the root cause.
This post will discuss six best ways to fix Google Chrome search engine turning into Bing issue.
1. Manually Change Google Search Engine
There may be times when your friends or little 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 in Google Chrome to Bing, Yahoo or DuckDuckGo. It is always recommended to check the Settings menu and switch the selection back to Google. Follow the steps below.
Stage 1: Tap the three-dot menu in the upper right corner.
Step 2: Go to Settings > Search Engine.
Stage 3: Select the Search engine used in the address bar and set it in Google.
Step 4: Scroll down and select the Manage Search Engine menu. Add Fiend Bing to the list and remove it from the Chrome browser.
2. Disable Chrome Extensions
Do you know that Microsoft offers a Bing extension to force change the default search engine in Google Chrome? No matter what trick you try, you will eventually get search results from Bing.
Browser hijackers are a constant threat to millions of users worldwide. Some even find a way to get into your browser via outdated extensions. In some cases, any malicious extension may prefer the Bing search engine over Google.
Therefore, the easiest solution is to disable all extensions and then enable only the ones you need each time.
Stage 1: Open Google Chrome, tap the three-dot menu at the top.
Step 2: Go to More tools > Extensions.
Stage 3: It will open the extension menu. Tap on the Uninstall button and uninstall the Chrome extensions.
3. Reset Google Chrome
As mentioned above, Google Chrome uses the Google search engine to present search results. If you messed up Chrome Settings before, it’s time to reset Chrome settings to default. Go through the steps below.
Stage 1: Open Google Chrome and tap the three-dot menu in the upper right corner.
Step 2: Scroll down the Settings tab and then click the Advanced button.
Stage 3: Scroll down to Restore settings to their original defaults shown directly below. Then click Restore settings to their original defaults.
Step 4: Press the Reset settings button to confirm.
Note that resetting Google Chrome will disable all extensions and clear temporary data such as cookies and cache. It does not clear your bookmarks, history and saved passwords.
4. Use Chrome Malware
The problem can be attributed to Bing Search redirect virus or malware. This virus or malware works by redirecting your browser to multiple sites and then dropping you to the Bing site. Hackers monetize clicks and even collect personal data and track your internet activity.
Google Chrome offers an integrated anti-malware scanner that will scan your computer and find problems.
Stage 1: Open Chrome and go to Settings.
Step 2: Scroll down and click Advanced to open all settings.
Stage 3: Scroll down to the Reset and clean section and click on Clean computer.
This will open a window where you can start the Chrome malware scan. Simply select the Find button to start the scan. Alternatively, we recommend installing and running Malwarebytes to find and delete any malware.
5. Scan Computer Using Windows Defender
If you’re still having problems after a Google Chrome malware scan, try using Windows Defender to scan for Windows 10. As you know, Windows Defender is Microsoft’s built-in solution for removing malware from device.
Open Windows Defender (now Microsoft Defender) and use the Quick scan option to identify malicious items on the device. You can also choose a full PC scan, but this may take a long time depending on the device’s storage.
Do not worry. You can minimize the application and continue doing your business as usual.
6. Uninstall Google Chrome
If you’re still encountering Bing search engine redirects in the Google Chrome browser, it’s time to turn it over in favor of an alternative.
Microsoft Edge is one of the best Chrome alternatives. It is Chromium-based, available on all platforms, and supports all Google Chrome extensions.
Another Solid Google Chrome competitor is Firefox. Mozilla has recently improved its Firefox offering by leaps and bounds. Worth a look.
You can also choose privacy browsers like Safari and Brave on desktop.
Start Using Google Again
Using the above tricks, you can easily fix Google Chrome using Bing search engine instead of Google. Follow the steps above and let us know which trick worked for you in the comments section below.
Next: Getting too many notifications from Google Chrome? Read the post below to know why this happens and how to fix it.
