Why Does Chrome Redirect to Bing?

Have you ever experienced opening Google Chrome and typing in a search query only to find that it redirects to Bing? This can be frustrating, especially if you prefer using Google as your default search engine. In this article, we will explore the reasons why Chrome redirects to Bing and how to fix it.

Section 1: Default Search Engine Settings

One of the most common reasons why Chrome redirects to Bing is that the default search engine settings have been changed. This can happen if you have installed a new software or extension that has modified your browser settings without your knowledge.

To check your default search engine settings, open Google Chrome and click on the three dots in the top right corner. Then, select “Settings” from the drop-down menu. Scroll down to the “Search engine” section and click on “Manage search engines.” Here, you can see which search engine is set as your default. If it is set to Bing, you can change it back to Google by clicking on the three dots next to Google and selecting “Make default.”

Section 2: Malware or Adware

Another reason why Chrome redirects to Bing is due to malware or adware on your computer. Malware is a type of software that is designed to harm your computer, while adware is a type of software that displays unwanted advertisements.

To check for malware or adware, you can use an antivirus program such as Windows Defender or Malwarebytes. These programs can scan your computer for any malicious software and remove them if necessary.

Section 3: Browser Hijacker

A browser hijacker is a type of malware that modifies your browser settings without your consent. It can change your default search engine, homepage, and even install unwanted extensions.

To remove a browser hijacker, you can try resetting your browser settings. To do this, open Google Chrome and click on the three dots in the top right corner. Then, select “Settings” from the drop-down menu. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on “Advanced.” Under the “Reset and clean up” section, click on “Restore settings to their original defaults.” This will reset your browser settings to their default values and remove any unwanted extensions.

Section 4: DNS Settings

DNS (Domain Name System) is a system that translates domain names into IP addresses. If your DNS settings are incorrect, it can cause Chrome to redirect to Bing instead of Google.

To check your DNS settings, open the Command Prompt on your computer and type in “ipconfig /all” without the quotes. Look for the “DNS Servers” line and make sure it is set to the correct values. If it is not, you can change it by going to your network settings and selecting “Properties.” Then, select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click on “Properties.” Here, you can enter the correct DNS server addresses.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several reasons why Chrome redirects to Bing, including default search engine settings, malware or adware, browser hijackers, and DNS settings. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can fix this issue and continue using Google as your default search engine. Remember to always be cautious when installing new software or extensions and regularly scan your computer for any malicious software.