Microsoft Pushes Bing Search Engine on Windows 11 Users

Microsoft has released a tool called Microsoft Recommended Search Settings for Windows 11 users. The application, available on Microsoft's download servers, installs a Bing browser extension in Chrome, Firefox, and Brave browsers after explicit consent from the user.

The tool is optional and does not affect users who refuse to install it or change their default search engine. However, those who agree will see the Bing Homepage & Search extension installed, along with a message asking them to keep it active.

Researchers have pointed out that the installer's sequence of events matches patterns typically associated with browser-hijacking software. Despite this, Microsoft claims the tool is legitimate and that users are free to opt-out at any stage.

The development comes as Microsoft promotes its Bing search engine in response to Google's dominance in the market. According to StatCounter, Bing holds around 4.5% of the global search engine market share compared to Google's roughly 91%.