How to get rid of Google redirects to Bing

Are you constantly being redirected to Bing while on Google? It's possible that your browser has been compromised with a type of malware that modifies your browser settings and forces redirects to Bing instead of Google. It doesn't just redirect you to Bing, this type of malware can expose you to dangerous websites and more malware.

In this guide, I'll teach you how to get rid of Google redirects to Bing and provide tips and tricks on how to stay safe online.

What is a Bing redirect browser hijacker?

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

Name	Bing redirect browser hijacker
Type	Browser hijacker, adware, PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application)
Targeted devices	Windows, Mac, iOS, Android
Symptoms	Default search engine (Google) is changed to Bing, redirects to suspicious websites, increased amount of intrusive ads, search results at the top are sponsored or not fully legitimate
Damage	Increased risk of other malware attacks, attempts of phishing, deteriorated browsing experience

Visit TotalAV

This widely spread form of malware isn't 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.

How to fix Google redirects to Bing

There are various steps to eliminate Bing redirects, and the approach depends on how serious your situation is. Sometimes, to stop Bing redirects, it might be enough to uninstall unwanted browser extensions. However, if you have a browser hijacker on your device, you'll need to completely reset your browser settings and run a thorough system scan with antivirus software to fully remove the browser hijacker.

To make things easier, I prepared detailed step-by-step guides for you to effectively remove Microsoft Bing redirects.

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 to use an antivirus to get rid of a browser hijacker causing Google redirects to Bing:

1. Choose a reputable antivirus software. TotalAV is great for removing browser hijackers
2. Install the antivirus on your device
3. Run a full system scan
4. Follow the instructions provided by your antivirus to remove any malware from your device

Visit TotalAV

Change the default search engine

You can try manually removing Bing redirects by changing your default search engine. Here’s how:

1. Launch the browser Settings menu from the three vertical dots at the top right corner of your Chrome browser
2. Click on the Search engine in the left-hand menu and press Change
3. In the dialogue box, select Google and click Set as default
4. Then, in the Manage search engines and site search section, remove Bing by clicking on the three dots and Delete

Remove suspicious browser extensions

You can also check whether there are any suspicious extensions installed on your Google Chrome browser and remove them manually:

1. Click on the three dots at the top right of your browser window, then click Extensions and choose Manage Extensions
2. In the My extensions menu, look for suspicious add-ons, and remove them by tapping Remove

Reset browser settings to stop redirects

Since a browser hijacker alters your settings without your consent to cause Google redirects to Bing, it’s best to completely reset your browser if none of the above manual steps helped.

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

1. Click on the three dots iIn the upper right corner and choose Settings
2. On the left, find the Reset Settings option

   

3. Click on Restore settings to their original defaults
4. Confirm by clicking on Reset Settings again

   

5. Restart the browser

If you are using a Safari browser, here are the steps for resetting your browser:

1. Open your device settings, scroll down to Apps, and find Safari
2. Scroll to the History and website data section and select Clear History and Website Data
3. Make sure All history and Close All Tabs options are selected
4. Click on Clear History
5. Go back to Safari Settings and scroll down to Advanced
6. Open Website Data
7. Select the Remove All Website Data option and click Remove Now
8. Finally restart your Safari browser

The same logic applies to Mozilla Firefox browsers. Try following these steps if you wish to reset browser settings:

1. Click on the three horizontal lines in the upper right corner and select Help
2. Then, select More Troubleshooting Information
3. Click on Refresh Firefox
4. Confirm by clicking Refresh Firefox again
5. Restart Firefox

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 might be 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 has been 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 more than usual, 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 out 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.
• Different homepage. Perhaps the most noticeable symptom of having a browser hijacker present on your device is a changed homepage. Suppose the default homepage has been altered without your permission, and you find that when you open your browser, it loads an unfamiliar website instead of your usual start page. In that case, chances are your browser has been hijacked by malware.

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 software creates vulnerabilities that hijackers can exploit. Keep your operating system and browser up-to-date to close these security gaps.
• Avoid installing suspicious browser extensions. Hijackers often disguise themselves as regular extensions. Only install extensions from reputable developers to minimize risk.
• Be cautious with online ads. While ads are common when browsing, some can be dangerous. Before clicking, hover over the link to verify its source and do a little research to ensure it’s safe.
• 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. Avoid pirated software, as it often contains malware. Stick to trusted sources for all your downloads.
• 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 any cyber attacks.

Video tutorial

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

Wrapping up

Google redirects to Bing happen because a browser hijacker, a type of malware, has infected your browser or device. It forcefully alters your browser settings to promote suspicious websites. Fortunately, you can easily get rid of it and 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.

FAQ