How to Remove Bing From Chrome and Reset the Default Search Engine

If Chrome is using Bing unexpectedly, check your settings and ensure your preferred search engine is selected. Also, review and remove any suspicious extensions or apps.

1 Change the Default Search Engine Manually

To customize your default search engine in Chrome, click the three-dot icon in the top-right corner and select "Settings." In the left-hand menu, choose "Search engine" and then click "Change." Select your preferred search engine from the pop-up and click "Set as default." This will make your chosen search engine the primary option for web searches within Chrome.

If you encounter issues with Bing as your default search engine, you can remove it entirely. To do so, first set a different search engine as your default. Then, return to the "Search engine" settings and click "Manage search engines and site search." Locate Microsoft Bing in the list, click the three-dot icon next to it, and choose "Delete." Confirm your decision by clicking "Delete" in the pop-up. This action will permanently remove Bing from your Chrome search engine options. By taking these steps, you can ensure a more personalized and efficient browsing experience.

2 Remove Suspicious Extensions From Chrome

If you're still unable to remove Bing as your default search engine, it's possible a malicious extension is interfering. Browser hijackers, a type of malware, can redirect your searches to Bing and other potentially harmful websites to generate revenue. To resolve this issue, remove any suspicious or unnecessary extensions from your Chrome browser.

To do this, click the three vertical dots in the top-right corner of Chrome and select "Extensions." Review your installed extensions, and click "Remove" next to any you suspect might be causing the problem. Confirm your decision by clicking "Remove" in the pop-up that appears. If you're unsure about an extension, temporarily disable it by toggling the "Enabled" switch. After removing or disabling unwanted extensions, restart Chrome and check if the problem persists.

3 Review the Apps Installed on Your PC

If you've already checked extensions and they're not the culprit, consider the possibility of a recent app installation. Adware can sometimes sneak onto your PC, often without your knowledge, and modify your browser settings. One common tactic is to change the default search engine to Bing.

To investigate, open your Windows Settings (Win + i) and go to Apps > Installed Apps. Sort the list by Date Installed to identify any recent additions. If you suspect an app might be adware, click the three dots next to it and choose Uninstall. Follow the prompts to remove the app completely, then restart your computer. This should help determine if the adware was indeed the cause of the issue.

4 Reset Chrome to the Default Settings

Resetting Chrome to its default settings can often resolve issues like an unwanted Bing search engine. This process will revert Chrome to its original state, clearing temporary data such as cached settings, cookies, and disabling extensions and themes. However, your bookmarks, browsing history, and passwords will remain unaffected.

To reset Chrome, click the three-dot icon in the top-right corner and select "Settings." On the left side menu, choose "Reset Settings," then click "Restore Settings to their Defaults." Confirm your choice by clicking "Reset settings" in the pop-up.

This should restore Google as your default search engine. If this doesn't work, consider uninstalling and reinstalling Chrome.

To prevent Bing from becoming the default search engine again, ensure you keep Chrome updated. Regular updates patch security vulnerabilities that malicious extensions or apps might exploit to alter your browser settings.

By following these steps and being cautious about downloading apps and extensions from untrusted sources, you can effectively prevent Bing from becoming your default search engine and maintain a secure browsing experience.

That concludes this guide on How to Remove Bing from Chrome and Reset Default Search Engine, so we hope you are able to reset the search engine to your favorite one.