The fastest way to remove Bing depends on how it got there

If Bing is your default search engine in Edge, Chrome, or Firefox, you can change it in your browser settings in under a minute. If Bing appears as a toolbar, a separate program, or keeps resetting itself, you'll need to uninstall it from your computer's control panel and check your browser extensions. If Bing hijacked your homepage or search without your action, malware removal may be necessary before you change settings.

The difference matters because a setting change alone won't stop Bing from coming back if something installed it as a program or extension. Start by identifying which of these three situations you're in, then follow the steps for that one.

Key Takeaways

  • Bing as your default search engine is removed by changing one setting in your browser—this takes two minutes and works in Edge, Chrome, and Firefox.
  • Bing toolbars and programs must be uninstalled through Windows Control Panel or Mac System Settings, not just removed from your browser.
  • If Bing keeps resetting itself or appeared without your action, scan your computer for malware before changing settings, because the malware will restore it.
  • Check your browser extensions and startup programs after removing Bing to catch anything that might reinstall it automatically.

Removing Bing as your default search engine in Edge, Chrome, or Firefox

In Microsoft Edge: Click the three-dot menu in the top right, select Settings, then choose Privacy, search, and services from the left sidebar. Under "Search engine," click the dropdown next to "Search engine used in the address bar" and select Google, DuckDuckGo, or another option. Edge will stop using Bing immediately.

In Google Chrome: Click the three-dot menu in the top right, select Settings, then click Search engine from the left sidebar. Under "Search engine," click the dropdown next to the currently selected engine and choose a different one. Chrome saves this change right away.

In Firefox: Click the menu button (three horizontal lines) in the top right, select Settings, then click Search from the left sidebar. Under "Default Search Engine," click the dropdown and select a different search engine. Firefox applies the change immediately.

After you change your default search engine, test it by clicking the address bar and typing a search term. Your new search engine should appear instead of Bing. If Bing keeps coming back after you change this setting, move to the next section—something else installed it.

Uninstalling Bing toolbars and programs from your computer

On Windows: Press the Windows key, type "Control Panel," and open it. Click "Programs" or "Programs and Features," then look for anything with "Bing" in the name—common ones are "Bing Bar," "Bing Desktop," or "Microsoft Bing." Click it and select Uninstall. Windows will remove it from your computer. Restart your computer after uninstalling.

On Mac: Open System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions), click General, then click Login Items. Look for any Bing-related programs in the list and click the minus button to remove them. Then open Finder, click Applications, and look for Bing programs to drag to Trash. Empty the Trash when you're done.

After uninstalling, restart your computer. When it boots back up, check your browser's homepage and default search engine again—they should stay on your chosen settings now instead of resetting to Bing.

Removing Bing extensions from your browser

In Chrome: Click the three-dot menu in the top right, hover over "More tools," then click Extensions. Look for any extension with "Bing" in the name or any unfamiliar extension you don't remember installing. Click the trash icon next to it to remove it. Close and reopen Chrome.

In Firefox: Click the menu button (three horizontal lines) in the top right and select Add-ons and extensions. Click Extensions on the left. Find any Bing-related extension or anything suspicious, click the three dots next to it, and select Remove. Firefox removes it immediately.

In Edge: Click the three-dot menu in the top right, select Extensions, then click Manage extensions. Look for Bing extensions or anything you don't recognize. Click the toggle to turn it off, or click the three dots and select Remove from Microsoft Edge.

Extensions are a common way Bing gets installed without your knowledge, especially if you downloaded a free program or toolbar. Removing them stops Bing from controlling your search results even if the program itself is still on your computer.

What to do if Bing keeps coming back after you remove it

If you've changed your search engine, uninstalled Bing programs, and removed extensions, but Bing still reappears when you restart your browser or computer, malware is likely forcing it back. Malware can reinstall Bing or reset your browser settings automatically, and changing settings alone won't stop it.

Download and run a malware scanner like Malwarebytes (free version available) or Windows Defender (built into Windows). Let it scan your entire computer and remove anything it finds. Restart your computer when the scan finishes. After that, change your search engine and browser homepage again—this time they should stay changed.

If Bing still returns after a malware scan, run the scanner a second time or try a different one. Some malware requires multiple scans to remove completely. You can also post the details in a forum like r/techsupport on Reddit with a screenshot of what's happening, and someone can walk you through more advanced removal steps.

Checking startup programs so Bing doesn't reinstall itself

On Windows: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. Click the Startup tab. Look for anything with "Bing" in the name or any program you don't recognize. Right-click it and select Disable. This stops it from running when your computer starts up. Close Task Manager.

On Mac: Open System Settings, click General, then click Login Items. Look at the list of programs that open when you log in. Click any Bing-related program and click the minus button to remove it. Also check "Allow in the Dock" section if anything suspicious is there.

Startup programs can reinstall Bing or reset your browser settings every time you restart your computer. Disabling them in Task Manager or Login Items stops this from happening without affecting anything else on your computer.

Preventing Bing from being installed again

Bing often gets installed when you download free software, especially toolbars, media players, or browser extensions. During installation, these programs ask permission to change your search engine or install add-ons—the permission is usually buried in a checkbox you have to uncheck. Read the installation screens carefully and uncheck anything about changing your search engine or installing toolbars.

Stick to downloading programs from official websites or trusted sources like the Microsoft Store or Mac App Store. Avoid downloading from third-party sites that bundle extra software. If you see a download button that looks like an ad, it's probably not the real download—look for a link that says "Download from the official website" instead.

Keep your browser updated. Newer versions of Chrome, Firefox, and Edge have better protections against unwanted changes to your settings. Check for updates in your browser's settings menu at least once a month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bing malware?

Bing itself is not malware—it's a legitimate search engine made by Microsoft. However, programs that force Bing onto your computer without clear permission often behave like malware by resetting your settings and ignoring your choices. If Bing appeared on your computer without you installing it, something else installed it, and that something else may be worth removing.

Will removing Bing break anything on my computer?

No. Changing your search engine, uninstalling Bing programs, and removing extensions will not damage Windows, Mac, or any other software. Your computer will work exactly the same way. The only thing that changes is which search engine your browser uses.

Why does Bing keep coming back after I remove it?

A program on your computer is reinstalling it or resetting your browser settings automatically. This usually means malware, a startup program, or a browser extension is doing it. Run a malware scan, check your startup programs, and remove any extensions you don't recognize. If it still comes back, the malware may need multiple scans to remove.

Can I remove Bing from Windows itself, not just my browser?

You can't remove Bing from Windows because it's built into Windows Search and some Microsoft services. You can change which search engine your browser uses, and you can disable Bing in Windows Search by opening Settings, clicking Privacy and security, then Search permissions, and toggling off "Search history." Your browser's search engine is separate from Windows Search.

What if I want to use Bing but it's set as my default?

Change your default search engine to Google, DuckDuckGo, or another option using the steps above. You can still use Bing anytime by going to bing.com directly in your browser. You just won't be forced to use it when you search from the address bar.