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How to get rid of Google redirects to Bing


Many users suffer from never-ending Google redirects to Bing, even though they’ve never changed their default search engine. These annoying changes appear if your device got infected with a browser hijacker, a type of malware that can alter your browser settings without your consent.

As a result, you will be forcefully led to Bing whenever you try to perform a search query on Google. Keep in mind that Bing itself is a legitimate search engine but the Bing redirect virus does exist. It can not only cause annoying redirects but also lead to dangerous websites and increase the risk of further malware infections.

In this article, I will cover all you need to know – what are browser hijackers, how to stop Google redirects to Bing, and best ways to protect your device in the future.

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What is a Bing redirect virus?

Bing redirect virus is one of the many types of malware which is also known as a browser hijacker. It takes over Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, and other browsers to perform unwanted changes, such as altering your default search engine. As a result, you will be forced to make queries through a different search engine than the one you initially chose.

NameBing redirect virus
TypeBrowser hijacker
Targeted devicesWindows, Mac, iOS, Android
SymptomsDefault search engine (Google) is changed to Bing, redirects to suspicious websites, increased amount of intrusive ads
DamageIncreased risk of other malware attacks, attempts of phishing, deteriorated browsing experience

This widely-spread form of malware is not as dangerous as ransomware. However, it can lead you to suspicious websites where cybercriminals distribute other malicious programs, like adware or trojans. Thus, leaving a browser hijacker on your computer can create a never-ending flow of malware.

Why does my Google search go to Bing?

If you’ve set your default search engine to Google but notice unwanted redirects to Bing whenever you perform a query – your computer is infected with a browser hijacker.

However, there’s a small chance that you might have accidentally changed your default search engine from Google to Bing. If not, your browser is definitely hijacked by this potentially unwanted program.

Symptoms of a browser hijacker

Identifying a browser hijacker might be confusing, if it’s the first time your device got infected. Here’s a list of symptoms you should look for to identify one:

  • Your search queries are redirected to Bing.com. That’s the key symptom of how this browser hijacker works and usually you can’t avoid that. It doesn’t disappear with time, unless you remove it from your system and reset browser settings.
  • There’s a noticeable increase in intrusive ads. You can always encounter ads when browsing because this is how online marketing works. However, if various pop-ups and banners start to become annoying and cover the content, there’s a strong possibility that it’s the browser hijacker’s fault.
  • A new tab pops up when you perform a search. Keep an eye if a new tab appears when you search for something online. It’s another key symptom of the potentially unwanted program and how it promotes suspicious websites.

How to fix Google redirects to Bing

You can fix Google redirects to Bing in two steps. Firstly, you must run a full system scan with an antivirus to remove a browser hijacker. Then, it’s essential to reset your browser settings to the primary stage. If you’re not sure how to do that, follow our detailed instructions:

Step 1. Remove a browser hijacker with an antivirus

Browser hijackers might hide anywhere on your system and removing all related files manually can be challenging. However, premium antivirus providers have excellent malware detection rates and can easily remove the potentially unwanted program for you.

Here’s how use an antivirus to get rid of a browser hijacker causing Google redirects to Bing:

  1. Choose a reputable antivirus. TotalAV is great for removing browser hijackers;
  2. Install the antivirus app on your device;
  3. Run a full system scan;
  4. Follow the instructions provided by your antivirus.

Step 2. Reset default browser settings to stop redirects

Since a browser hijacker alters your settings without your consent to cause Google redirects to Bing, you must reset them.

Here’s how to change your default search engine back to Google on Chrome:

  1. On Google Chrome, click on the 3 vertical dots (⋮) in the top-right corner and choose Settings; open settings on chrome
  2. Expand the Advanced tab on the left and select Reset Settings; reset chrome settings
  3. Confirm by clicking the Reset Settings button; confirm chrome reset
  4. Restart Chrome.

Note: If you’re using a different browser, you can try applying the same steps to reset browser settings. While some of them might differ, you can definitely navigate your way through by following a similar logic.

How can I protect my device against browser hijacking?

Browser hijackers are a common online threat that many users have encountered. However, there are simple steps you can follow to protect your device:

  • Regularly update your OS and browser. Outdated operating systems and browser software leave open paths that a potentially unwanted program can exploit to infiltrate your device. Thus, it’s essential to install the latest OS and browser updates to avoid attacks.
  • Avoid installing suspicious browser extensions. Browser hijackers often come in disguise as regular extensions and add-ons. This is a common malware distribution technique where cybercriminals try to take advantage of unsuspecting users. Likewise, you should only install browser extensions that come from verified and reputable developers.
  • Don’t click on online ads. While we’re all used to advertisements when browsing, some of them can be dangerous. Various pop-ups and banners can lead you to malware distribution sources, so it’s a no-brainer – never click on them.
  • Notice suspicious emails. Another popular way to distribute potentially unwanted programs is creating a malspam campaign – sending legitimate-looking emails (they often impersonate well-known companies, like Apple or Microsoft) with an infected attachment. Opening the attachment triggers the malicious program’s executable code and infects your device. So pay attention when checking your emails and never open them if you have any suspicions.
  • Install programs from official websites only. Cybercriminals also take advantage of peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing networks where they spread malicious programs disguised as premium ones, just for free. You should never try to install pirated software if you want to avoid browser hijackers.
  • Always use reliable antivirus software. The best way to protect your device against all types of threats is to use a reliable antivirus, like TotalAV. It continuously scans your system in real time to prevent the attacks rather than simply help to remove it.

Video tutorial

If you find that following a video is easier for you, you can check out our YouTube tutorial here:

Conclusion

Google redirects to Bing happen because a browser hijacker has infected your system. It is a type of malware that forcefully alters your browser settings to promote suspicious websites. Luckily, you can easily get rid of it to finally enjoy an uninterrupted browsing experience again.

The best way is to run a full system scan with a robust antivirus software. Our top choice is TotalAV since it has excellent malware detection scores and provides real-time protection to help avoid infections in the future.

If you have previous experience with Google redirects to Bing, please share your tips and tricks with us in the comments below!

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FAQ

Comments

EdieMarie Kellogg
prefix 12 days ago
I've done these same treatments multiple times, too, and it still gets stuck back at Bing. Your suggestion to "look for suspicious programs" or "suspicious "processes" - I'm not sure what to look for. Can you please give an example?

I've deleted all my Chrome extensions, and only have four "respectable" extensions right now - and it STILL reverts to Bing.
Cybernews Team
prefix 4 days ago
Hi! Suspicious programs - suspicious naming, meaning it could be a name with numbers, possibly symbols in them. Go to the Task Manager and look for apps that consume the most CPU. You could also try resetting the browser and not to download "respectable" extensions, as they could be the problem. If this does not work, check settings and make sure Google is chosen as the default search engine. Run a malware scan; if this does not work, consider bringing the device to the local specialist. Hope this helps!
Letyce
prefix 2 months ago
I’ve run numerous scans with total AV. I’ve reset chrome settings countless times. I’ve deleted all other search options leaving only google as the default. I’ve opted out of Microsoft rewards. I’ve removed unknown extensions. I’ve manually deleted suspicious programs. I’ve restarted chrome as well as my MacBook many times. I’ve cleaned browser history, cookies, and cache. Google search home page still redirects to bing for search results! What else can I do?
Cybernews Team
prefix 1 month ago
Hi! The problem might be on the device, not just in the Chrome browser. Suggestions:
1. Stop suspicious processes: open Activity Monitor and look for suspicious processes running on your MacBook. Select the process and click "Stop", then "Force Quit".

2. Remove suspicious Login Items: go to the System Preferences ➝ Users & Groups ➝ Login Items tab. Click on any suspicious and recently added (depending on when the problems have started) applications and click the minus (-) button to remove them.

3. Remove malicious profile configurations: go to System Preferences ➝ Profiles (if you do not see this option, skip this step). Look if there is any profile that you haven't set up and remove it by clicking on the minus button.

4. Remove Bing Redirect files and folders: open Go ➝ Go to Folder. In an opened new window, type in "~/Library/LaunchAgents" and click Go. Look for suspicious files and move them to the Trash/Bin. Repeat the process with these directories as well: /Library/LaunchAgents; /Library/LaunchDaemons.
Chas.
prefix 7 months ago
I've run two virus scans & checked all the browser settings & Google Chrome searches still re-direct to Bing. Bing does not even show as an option in my Browser settings, so deleting it is not an option. Any more suggestions from anyone who has succeeded in stopping this diversion?
Lauren Waters
prefix 7 months ago
Is this happening because the bing rewards extension has now hijacked more settings? Previously the bing extention didn't hijack your home page, just your search/address bar... now it seems to hijack everything so. I think there has been a change to the bing extension for chrome, anyone know for certain?
Cybernews Team
prefix 7 months ago
Hi there! It looks like if you enable Microsoft Rewards, this extension will force you to use Bing. Google can't be enabled as default, as the extension does not allow this. On other browsers, there is no extension similar to Brave's Rewards. It does not hijack anything, and the default search engine does not change. Hope this helps.
Nick Gundel
prefix 8 months ago
Hey, I went through all these steps and used Malwarebytes as my antivirus. Unfortunately, the problem is still present. I ran 2 scans with Malwarebytes and have reset my default browser settings a few times but I'm still going to Bing. Any ideas on how to fix it from here?
Cybernews Team
prefix 8 months ago
Hi! If the steps you've already taken don't work, then you can try looking for suspicious processes on the device and terminate them. Alternatively, try reinstalling the browser or in the browser's settings try deleting Bing as an option and make Google default. Hope this works out!
Nancy L Sampson-Bach
prefix 8 months ago
I've run scan after scan, can find nothing (I use Norton 360), and still no matter how many times I reset everything in Google, and make sure that Google is the default, Bing keep showing up no matter what I type in the search bar. IF you have any other suggestions, I'd love to hear them. Maybe I'm just missing something? Sooooo frustrated.
Cybernews Team
prefix 8 months ago
Hi! You can try looking for suspicious processes on the device and terminate them, if that doesn't work, then try reinstalling the browser. One more option is to head over to the browser's settings and try deleting Bing as an option, and make Google default. Hope this helps!
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