“It’s optional,” Microsoft on Windows 11 tool forcing Bing in Chrome, Firefox, and Brave.
AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication
Microsoft clarified that its new “Microsoft Recommended Search Settings” app, which installs a Bing‑centric extension on Chrome, Firefox, and Brave, is optional and not distributed through Windows or Edge. The 22.2‑MB installer requires user consent before changing default search engines or new‑tab pages. The app, available via a dedicated download portal, can be removed or altered at any time, and does not run in the background or update automatically.
💡 Why It Matters
- · The move underscores Microsoft’s push to broaden Bing’s reach beyond Edge, potentially reshaping the browser‑search engine ecosystem.