How Do You Uninstall Bing and Go Back to Google?
By Danielle Fernandez
Your computer's browser relies upon a search engine provider to enable Web searches from your address bar. By default, Internet Explorer is configured to use Bing, but the Microsoft search engine can also be set up with Mozilla, Safari or Chrome browsers as well. Though the process is slightly different depending on which Web browser you use, you can reconfigure your browser so that it uses Google -- or any other service -- as the default search provider instead.
Internet Explorer
Step 1
Launch Internet Explorer and select "Tools," also visible as a gear icon if your menu is collapsed. Choose "Manage Add-Ons" from the available options.
Step 2
Select "All Add-Ons" from the "Show" drop-down menu. Choose "Search Providers" from the navigational menu on the left.
Step 3
Right-click on "Google" and select "Set as Default." If Google is not available in the list of search providers, select "Find More Search Providers" at the bottom left, choose "Google" and then click "Add to Internet Explorer."
Step 4
Remove the Bing Toolbar if it is installed. Select "Toolbars and Extensions," right-click on "Bing Toolbar" and select "Disable."
Step 5
Click "Close" to save your changes and restart the browser to ensure the new settings go into effect.
Mozilla
Step 1
Launch your Mozilla browser and click the "Down" arrow next to the Bing search engine icon.
Step 2
Select "Google" from the list of available options. If it is not available for selection, click "Manage Search Engines."
Step 3
Select "Get More Search Engines..." at the bottom left and then click "Add to Firefox" next to Google. Confirm the addition by clicking "Add."
Step 4
Restart the browser to ensure the new settings go into effect.
Safari
Step 1
Launch Safari from the Apple menu.
Step 2
Click the magnifying glass icon at the left end of the search field and select "Google" from the list of available options. Alternately, you can select "Safari" and then "Preferences" and change the search engine in the "General" tab.
Step 3
Restart the browser to ensure the new settings go into effect.
Chrome
Step 1
Select the "Chrome Menu" icon resembling three horizontal lines and select "Settings."
Step 2
Select "Google" in the "Search" section. If, for some reason, Google does not dislay, click "Manage Search Engines" and select "Google" from the list of available options.
Step 3
Close the "Settings" window and then restart the browser.
References
Warnings
- Information in this article applies to PCs running Windows 8 and Macs running OS X v10.8. It may vary slightly or significantly with other versions or products.
Writer Bio
Based in Tampa, Fla., Danielle Fernandez been writing, editing and illustrating all things technology, lifestyle and education since 1999. Her work has appeared in the Tampa Tribune, Working Mother magazine, and a variety of technical publications, including BICSI's "Telecommunications Distribution Methods Manual." Fernandez holds a bachelor's degree in English from the University of South Florida.