Google Chrome lets you choose your preferred search engine, with Google being the default for most users. However, some users encounter an issue where Chrome unexpectedly changes the default search engine to Bing. This may happen after installing a new application, browser extension, toolbar, or Windows update. In some cases, the search engine switches back to Bing every time Chrome is restarted, even after manually changing it back to Google.
This problem can be caused by browser extensions, unwanted software, browser hijackers, enterprise policies, incorrect Chrome settings, synchronization issues, or malware that modifies your browser configuration. If left unresolved, it can affect your browsing experience by redirecting searches and changing your homepage or new tab page.
Fortunately, Chrome and Windows provide several ways to restore your preferred search engine and prevent Bing from taking over again. This guide explains the most effective solutions.
Why Does Chrome Keep Changing to Bing?
Several issues can cause Chrome to switch your default search engine.
Common causes include:
- Browser hijacker malware.
- Unwanted browser extensions.
- Third-party software changing browser settings.
- Chrome policies enforced by software.
- Corrupted Chrome profile.
- Malware or adware infections.
- Chrome synchronization conflicts.
- Recently installed toolbars.
- Modified shortcut properties.
- Incorrect default search engine settings.
Work through the methods below until Chrome keeps your preferred search engine.
Method 1: Change the Default Search Engine
Start by manually changing the default search engine.
Steps
- Open Google Chrome.
- Click the three-dot menu.
- Select Settings.
- Click Search engine.
- Next to Search engine used in address bar, choose Google or your preferred search engine.
- Close and reopen Chrome.
If the setting changes back automatically, continue with the remaining methods.
Method 2: Remove Bing From Site Search
Chrome allows multiple search engines to be saved.
Steps
- Open Chrome Settings.
- Select Search engine.
- Click Manage search engines and site search.
- Locate unwanted Bing entries under Site search.
- Click the three-dot menu beside the unwanted entry.
- Select Delete.
Keep only the search engines you want to use.
Method 3: Remove Suspicious Extensions
Browser extensions are one of the most common causes of unwanted search engine changes.
Steps
- Open Google Chrome.
- Type:
chrome://extensions- Press Enter.
- Review all installed extensions.
- Remove extensions you don’t recognize or no longer use.
- Restart Chrome.
If you’re unsure which extension is responsible, disable them one at a time and test after each change.
Method 4: Reset Chrome Settings
Resetting Chrome restores the default browser configuration without deleting your bookmarks or saved passwords.
Steps
- Open Chrome Settings.
- Select Reset settings.
- Click Restore settings to their original defaults.
- Confirm by clicking Reset settings.
- Restart Chrome.
This removes unwanted search engine settings and disables extensions.
Method 5: Check Chrome Startup Pages
Some unwanted software changes the pages Chrome opens at startup.
Steps
- Open Settings.
- Click On startup.
- Verify that no unwanted websites are listed.
- Remove unknown startup pages if necessary.
This prevents unwanted websites from reopening each time Chrome starts.
Method 6: Check the Chrome Shortcut
Browser hijackers sometimes modify Chrome’s shortcut.
Steps
- Right-click the Chrome shortcut.
- Select Properties.
- Open the Shortcut tab.
- Check the Target field.
- Ensure it ends with:
chrome.exeRemove any website address or extra command appearing after chrome.exe.
- Click Apply.
- Click OK.
Method 7: Remove Unwanted Programs
Recently installed software may be modifying Chrome settings.
Steps
- Open Settings.
- Navigate to Apps > Installed apps.
- Sort by Install date.
- Look for unfamiliar applications.
- Select the unwanted program.
- Click Uninstall.
- Restart your computer.
Pay particular attention to toolbars, browser assistants, and download managers.
Method 8: Scan for Malware
Browser hijackers often accompany adware or malware.
Steps
- Open Windows Security.
- Select Virus & threat protection.
- Click Scan options.
- Choose Full scan.
- Click Scan now.
- Remove any detected threats.
- Restart Windows.
A malware scan can eliminate software that continually changes browser settings.
Method 9: Use Chrome’s Built-in Safety Check
Chrome includes a feature that checks for harmful extensions and security issues.
Steps
- Open Chrome Settings.
- Select Privacy and security.
- Click Safety check.
- Run the scan.
- Apply any recommended actions.
This can identify compromised extensions and outdated browser components.
Method 10: Check Chrome Policies
Some applications create enterprise policies that lock browser settings.
Steps
- Open Chrome.
- Type:
chrome://policy- Press Enter.
- Review any active policies.
- If unexpected policies appear on a personal computer, they may have been created by third-party software.
- Remove the responsible software before clearing the policies.
If your computer is managed by your workplace or school, contact your administrator before making changes.
Method 11: Disable Chrome Sync Temporarily
Corrupted synchronized settings may restore the unwanted search engine.
Steps
- Open Chrome Settings.
- Select You and Google.
- Click Sync.
- Turn off synchronization temporarily.
- Change the default search engine.
- Restart Chrome.
- Re-enable synchronization if the problem is resolved.
Method 12: Create a New Chrome Profile
A damaged browser profile can repeatedly restore unwanted settings.
Steps
- Click your profile icon in Chrome.
- Select Add.
- Create a new profile.
- Sign in with your Google account if desired.
- Test whether the problem persists.
If the new profile works normally, migrate your bookmarks and other data.
Method 13: Reinstall Google Chrome
If Chrome continues switching to Bing, reinstalling the browser can replace damaged or modified files.
Steps
- Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
- Locate Google Chrome.
- Click Uninstall.
- Restart your computer.
- Download and install the latest version of Google Chrome.
- Sign back into your account if needed.
Method 14: Restart Your Computer
After removing unwanted software, resetting Chrome, or changing browser settings, restart your computer to ensure all changes are fully applied.
Conclusion
If Google Chrome keeps changing your search engine to Bing, the issue is usually caused by unwanted browser extensions, browser hijackers, recently installed software, Chrome policies, or malware. In most cases, manually restoring your preferred search engine, removing suspicious extensions, resetting Chrome, and scanning your computer for malware are enough to resolve the problem.
If the issue continues, inspect Chrome policies, verify the browser shortcut, create a new Chrome profile, or reinstall Chrome. Once the underlying cause has been removed, Chrome should retain your preferred search engine and stop redirecting searches to Bing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Chrome keep switching my search engine to Bing?
This is commonly caused by browser extensions, unwanted software, browser hijackers, enterprise policies, or malware that modifies Chrome’s settings.
Is Bing a virus?
No. Bing itself is a legitimate search engine developed by Microsoft. However, malware or unwanted software may change your browser settings to use Bing without your permission.
Will resetting Chrome remove my bookmarks?
No. Resetting Chrome restores browser settings and disables extensions, but it does not delete your bookmarks, browsing history, or saved passwords.
How can I stop Chrome from changing my search engine again?
Remove suspicious extensions, uninstall unwanted programs, scan your computer for malware, check for Chrome policies, and ensure your preferred search engine is set as the default. Once the underlying cause is eliminated, Chrome should keep your chosen search engine.
