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Microsoft Pushes Bing as Default Search Engine with Windows 11 App

Guavy AI Editorial Team Published August 23, 2026

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Microsoft has developed a dedicated Windows 11 app designed to promote Bing as the default search engine in popular browsers. The utility, Microsoft Recommended Search Settings, is a standalone installer named MicrosoftSettings.exe that can be downloaded from Microsoft's official servers.

The app, which was uncovered by tester Xeno Panther, aims to install a Bing extension and switch the user's default search engine to Bing, regardless of their current preference. This includes browsers such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Brave Search in Brave.

While the app is not new, its packaging has raised concerns among security teams. The utility is wrapped in a WinUI shell with WebView2 and bears a filename that resembles a system tool. This has led to warnings from browser developers about potential control issues.

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