Remove Bing from Chrome: Step-by-Step Guide

To remove Bing from Chrome, you need to change your default search engine, delete the Bing extension, and clear any browser policies or malware that force it. This guide walks you through each step for both Windows and Mac, including how to handle stubborn cases where Bing keeps coming back.

Why Bing Keeps Appearing in Chrome

Bing can appear in Chrome for several reasons. The most common is that you or someone else changed the default search engine to Bing, either intentionally or accidentally during a software installation. Another frequent cause is a browser hijacker—a type of unwanted program that modifies browser settings without clear consent. These often arrive bundled with free downloads, especially “download managers” or “optimizer” tools. Less commonly, an administrator may have set a policy that locks the search engine to Bing, which requires a different fix.

Understanding the root cause matters because the solution differs. If it’s just a setting, you can change it in seconds. If it’s a hijacker, you need to remove the malicious software first. If it’s a policy, you’ll need to edit the Windows Registry or use the Group Policy Editor.

Step 1: Change the Default Search Engine in Chrome

The most direct fix is to switch your default search engine back to Google (or your preferred provider). Here’s how:

1. Open Chrome and click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
2. Select Settings from the dropdown.
3. In the left sidebar, click Search engine.
4. Next to Search engine used in the address bar, click the dropdown and select Google (or another option).
5. If Bing is not listed, scroll down to Manage search engines and click the three dots next to Bing, then select Delete or Make default to switch.

After this, test by typing a query in the address bar. If it still goes to Bing, proceed to the next steps.

Step 2: Remove Bing Extensions and Unwanted Programs

Browser extensions can override your search settings. To check:

• Type chrome://extensions in the address bar and press Enter.
• Look for any extension you don’t recognize, especially ones with names like “Search”, “New Tab”, or “Bing”.
• Toggle off the extension to disable it, then click Remove to delete it permanently.

Also, check your installed programs on your computer. On Windows, go to Control Panel > Programs and Features and uninstall anything suspicious that you didn’t install yourself. Common culprits include “Search Protect”, “Conduit”, or “Trovi”. On Mac, open Applications and drag unwanted apps to the Trash.

Step 3: Reset Chrome Settings

If Bing persists, resetting Chrome to its default state can clear most hijackers. This will disable extensions, clear temporary data, and reset the homepage and search engine—but it does not delete your bookmarks, passwords, or history.

1. Go to Chrome Settings.
2. Scroll down and click Advanced.
3. Under Reset and clean up, click Restore settings to their original defaults.
4. Confirm by clicking Reset settings.

After the reset, Chrome will ask you to sign in again and set a default search engine. Choose Google and check if Bing is gone.

Step 4: Check for Browser Policies (Windows)

Sometimes Bing is enforced by a policy set by your organization or leftover from a previous program. To check:

• Type chrome://policy in the address bar and press Enter.
• If you see entries like DefaultSearchProviderSearchURL or ExtensionSettings, a policy is active.
• If you’re not on a managed work or school computer, you can remove these policies by editing the Windows Registry. Press Win + R, type regedit, and navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Google\Chrome and HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Policies\Google\Chrome. Delete the Chrome key if it exists.

Be careful when editing the Registry—make a backup first. If you’re on a managed device, contact your IT administrator instead of changing policies yourself.

Step 5: Scan for Malware

If Bing still won’t go away, you likely have a browser hijacker or adware that reinstalls itself. Run a full system scan with a reputable antivirus or anti-malware tool. Windows Defender (built into Windows 10 and 11) is a good start:

1. Open Windows Security from the Start menu.
2. Click Virus & threat protection.
3. Click Scan options and select Full scan, then click Scan now.

For Mac, you can use the built-in Malware Removal Tool by going to System Settings > General > Software Update and ensuring macOS is up to date, then checking for suspicious login items under Users & Groups > Login Items.

Step 6: Clear Browser Data and Shortcuts

Sometimes Bing is embedded in your browser shortcut, so every time you open Chrome it redirects to Bing. To fix this on Windows:

• Right-click your Chrome shortcut (desktop or taskbar) and select Properties.
• In the Target field, look for extra text after chrome.exe. It should end with " and nothing else. If there’s a URL like http://bing.com after it, delete that part.
• Click Apply and OK.

Also clear your browsing data to remove any cached redirects: go to chrome://settings/clearBrowserData, select All time, and check Cached images and files and Cookies, then click Clear data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Bing keep coming back after I change it?

If Bing returns after you change the search engine, it’s likely because a background program or extension is resetting it. Follow the steps in order: remove extensions, uninstall suspicious programs, run a malware scan, and then reset Chrome. If it still persists, check for browser policies as described above.

Can I remove Bing from Chrome without deleting my bookmarks?

Yes. Changing the search engine or resetting Chrome does not delete bookmarks. The reset option explicitly says it will not affect bookmarks, passwords, or history. However, clearing browsing data (step 6) will delete cookies and cached files, but not bookmarks.

Is Bing a virus?

No, Bing is a legitimate search engine from Microsoft. However, it can be forced onto your browser by unwanted software that acts like a virus. The search engine itself is safe, but the hijacker that installs it may be malicious.

What if I’m on a school or work computer?

If your device is managed by an organization, they may have set a policy that locks the search engine to Bing. You cannot change this without admin rights. Contact your IT department to request a change or to remove the policy.

Will resetting Chrome remove my saved passwords?

No, resetting Chrome does not remove saved passwords. It only disables extensions, clears temporary data, and resets settings. Your passwords and bookmarks remain intact. However, if you’ve signed in with a Google account, they are synced anyway.

How do I prevent Bing from being installed again?

Be cautious when installing free software. Always choose “Custom” installation and uncheck any offers to install toolbars or change your search engine. Also, avoid clicking on suspicious pop-ups or ads that claim to “optimize” your browser. Keeping your antivirus updated helps too.

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