How to get rid of Google redirects to Bing
-
Gabrielė Švažaitė
Writer
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.
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.
| Name | Bing redirect virus |
| Type | Browser hijacker |
| Targeted devices | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android |
| Symptoms | Default search engine (Google) is changed to Bing, redirects to suspicious websites, increased amount of intrusive ads |
| Damage | Increased 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:
- Choose a reputable antivirus. TotalAV is great for removing browser hijackers;
- Install the antivirus app on your device;
- Run a full system scan;
- 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:
-
On Google Chrome, click on the 3 vertical dots (⋮) in the top-right corner and choose Settings;
-
Expand the Advanced tab on the left and select Reset Settings;
-
Confirm by clicking the Reset Settings button;
- 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!
Best antivirus deals this week:
More malware removal guides from Cybernews:
FAQ
How do I stop Google from automatically switching to Bing?
You can stop Google redirects to Bing by removing a browser hijacker from your device. For that, we recommend running a full scan with TotalAV antivirus. Later, you’ll need to reset your browser settings to default.
Is Bing.com a virus?
No, Bing is a legitimate web search engine developed by Microsoft. However, browser hijackers often redirect Google users to Bing to promote suspicious websites. Despite that, if you’ve set Bing as your default search engine, you have nothing to worry about.
Comments
I've deleted all my Chrome extensions, and only have four "respectable" extensions right now - and it STILL reverts to Bing.
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.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked