Microsoft is trying to restore Bing as the default search engine on users’ browsers by spinning it as a “repair” through a utility app called PC Manager. PC Manager is designed to boost a Windows PC’s performance by freeing up memory and eliminating unused apps and files. It offers “Health check” and “Repair tips” buttons, which users can click on to see the recommended actions. However, Windows Latest noticed the app pushing a curious recommendation: Both Repair tips and Health check nudge you to restore Bing as the default search engine on the Edge browser.
(Credit: PCMag/Michael Kan)
The app doesn’t explain why you need to do this; the interface merely suggests it’s an important repair or cleanup step to help optimize the Windows OS. If you proceed, PC Manager will reset the defaults on the Edge browser, making Bing your go-to engine for the search bar.
(Credit: PCMag/Michael Kan)
Microsoft didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. But the news arrives as Redmond has previously pushed Microsoft products and other services to users within Windows, like recommending software to beta users through the Windows 11 Start Menu.
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In the case of the PC Manager app, the tactic will probably do little to help popularize Bing. Rival search engine Google still holds a huge lead in the search engine market over all competitors, including Bing, according to traffic analysis firm SimilarWeb. At the same time, most internet users also use Google’s browser, Chrome, over Edge.
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