Microsoft is reportedly using pop-up ads in Google Chrome to prompt users to change their default search engine to Bing.
A growing number of Windows users have noticed ads from Bing AI and Microsoft’s Bing search engine while browsing Chrome. If users choose to accept these requests, Microsoft automatically sets Bing as the new default search engine for Chrome instead of Google.
Malware concerns. Users expressed concern that the pop-up ads resembled malware, but Microsoft clarified that these prompts are legitimate and should only appear once.
Caitlin Roulston, director of communications at Microsoft, highlighted the company’s motive behind posting the pop-up ad. He emphasized that Microsoft’s goal was to give users the option to set Bing as their device’s default search engine, thereby giving them options.
Offering choice. Caitlin Roulston, director of communications at Microsoft, explained that the tech giant was running the pop-up ad to give users the option to make Bing the default search engine on their device. she said The Virgin:
“This is a unique notification that gives people the option to set Bing as their default search engine in Chrome.” “We value giving our customers choices, so there is an option to dismiss the notification.”
Roulston also noted that the pop-up offers an additional benefit for Windows users. Accepting this could provide them with additional chat turns in Copilot.
Why we care Giving users the option to change their default search engine could contribute to a fairer search market and give advertisers additional options for their advertising investment. Not looking like malware would probably be more productive.
What Microsoft says. Microsoft did not immediately respond to Search Engine Land’s request for comment.
why now The introduction of pop-up ads intended to ease the process of changing the default search engine for Windows users coincides with Google’s ongoing antitrust lawsuit. In this trial, Google is accused of using unfair tactics to maintain its position as the world’s leading search engine. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, a key figure in the development of Bing, took the stand during the trial and told the court that individuals have no real choice when selecting search engines. He said:
“You get up in the morning, brush your teeth and Google it.” “I see search or Internet search as the biggest software category out there. We’re a very, very low-share player. But we’re continuing to persist in it because we think it’s a software category that we can contribute to.” “It’s a tough game to make progress, but nobody can accuse us of not being persistent.”
Nadella added that the only reason the tech giant is choosing to stay in the search field is because it wants to “make search more competitive” by running it as a “public utility.”
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deep dive For more information, read our guide to US and Google Antitrust Test Updates.
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