Google redirects to Bing can be frustrating, especially if you have never changed your default search engine and constantly have to deal with Bing search results. However, this automatic change in search engines results from a browser hijacker, and you’ll want to get rid of it as soon as possible.
Also known as a Bing redirect virus, it’s a type of malware that changes your browser’s settings and redirects your search queries to Microsoft’s Bing Search instead. The browser hijacker can affect all browsers, including Chrome, Safari, Edge, Firefox and more, but many users encounter the Bing redirect issue when using Google as their default search engine.
Not only does this malicious program or browser extension force users to use Bing Search, but it also helps hackers generate revenue through their searches and may lead to harmful websites with adware or more malware. Read on to find out how to fix Google redirecting to Bing.
Signs of Bing redirect virus
There are a few ways the Bing browser hijacker could have infected your device, whether through a pop-up ad you clicked, free software installers or a suspicious download. Whatever the case, the key symptoms of your device being affected include the following:
- Your default search engine switches to Bing
- Your browser’s default home page is different
- Search queries are being redirected using Bing.com
- New tabs pop up every time you perform a search
- There’s an unusual increase in ads appearing on websites
- A suspicious browser extension is installed in your browser
It’s important to note that Bing is an official search engine from Microsoft and doesn’t directly cause harm. However, threat actors change your browser’s settings for personal gain, whether it’s to generate revenue through ads or to lead you to harmful websites. If you haven’t made any changes yourself, then it’s best to get rid of any form of malicious software.
How to fix Google redirects to Bing
Fortunately, removing the browser hijacker triggering Google redirects to Bing is simple. The best way to fix the issue is to use one of the best antivirus services, as these can detect malware hiding on your device and remove them with ease. But you’ll also want to reset your browser and remove any suspicious programs lingering around.
Remove malware with antivirus software
The best antivirus software will detect and remove malicious programs and software affecting your device – including the Bing redirect browser hijacker. Simply installing an antivirus and performing a system scan should be able to detect the source of the issue and get rid of it. What’s more, you don’t need to pay for all the security tools an antivirus service offers, as free antivirus software from providers such as Bitdefender or Avast One offers the same detection and removal features.
Reset your default browser settings
A browser hijacker will alter your browser’s settings right under your nose. Since it can be difficult to find out all the specific changes made, you’ll want to reset your browser’s settings.
Find out how to reset settings in Google Chrome below:
- On Google Chrome, click on the three vertical dots in the upper-right corner and select Settings.
- Select Reset and clean up in the right-hand toolbar.
- Click Restore settings to their original defaults and then select Reset settings.
This will reset Chrome settings and Chrome shortcuts, disable extensions, and delete cookies and temporary site data. This is a good way to undo what the browser hijacker may have changed, along with the altered Bing default search engine. Alternatively, you could also select Clean up computer to see if Chrome can find any harmful software affecting your device and remove it.
Remove suspicious programs
Browser hijackers can sneak onto your device as programs disguised as harmless services. If antivirus software doesn’t detect these malicious programs, you can remove them yourself by heading into your computer’s Control Panel.
- Use the search tool along the taskbar and type Control Panel on your Windows PC. Click on it.
- In the window that pops up, select Uninstall a program under Programs.
- Select any suspicious programs you don’t trust or don’t look familiar. Double-click or right-click to Uninstall.
Following these steps will help stop Google redirects to Bing from happening and get rid of the nasty browser hijacker. Hackers use this form of malware to redirect a user’s web search to sites the threat actor wants victims to see, such as web pages with ads that will help them generate revenue. This is similar to adware, which can collect information about the victim’s internet activity.
This is why it’s a good idea to clear your cache, too. You can check out how to remove adware on Android and how to remove adware on iPhone to learn how to remove cache on your device.
