How to Fix Chrome Search Switching to Bing or Yahoo - Tutorial
Source-checked · About 10 minutes
Answer
Open Chrome Settings > Search engine and select the intended default. If it changes again without permission, remove untrusted extensions or programs, run Chrome Safety Check, and use Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their original defaults.
Open Chrome > More > Settings > Search engine. Under Search engine, choose Change and select the provider you intend to use. Test one search from the address bar.
2
Check whether the setting changes again
Close and reopen Chrome, then inspect Search engine again. A setting that changes without permission can indicate an unwanted extension, program, or managed browser policy.
3
Remove untrusted extensions
Open More > Extensions > Manage extensions. Remove extensions you did not install or no longer trust, then restart Chrome and test the address bar again.
4
Remove unwanted software
Check the operating system's installed-app list for unfamiliar programs added around the time the search changes began. Remove only software you identify as unwanted, and do not install a third-party cleanup tool from a pop-up.
Open Settings > Privacy and security and run Safety Check. Review its extension and security recommendations before applying them.
6
Reset Chrome settings if needed
If unwanted changes continue, open Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their original defaults > Reset settings. Chrome disables extensions, so re-enable only ones you trust.
7
Verify the result
Restart Chrome, confirm the intended default remains selected, and perform searches from the address bar and a new tab. If the browser says it is managed, review the policy with the device or organization administrator.
Video walkthrough
If it does not work
If an unwanted extension returns after removal, check whether browser sync or an organization policy is reinstalling it before resetting the browser again.
If redirects occur only on one website, review that site's permissions and notifications instead of changing the global search engine repeatedly.
ⓘ Sources and verification
Checked against official documentation on . Scope: Platform not recorded.
Follow the linked first-party guidance if labels differ after a platform or app update.
