Microsoft is rolling out a new server-side ad that could trick some people into using Bing as their default search engine in Google Chrome.
When using Google Chrome, you will see a Bing pop-up on the right side of the browser. For a moment, you might think Chrome is infected with malware, but it's a new campaign from Microsoft.
As reported by Windows Latest, Microsoft has confirmed that it is testing a "one-off" notification that encourages users to use Bing as their default search in Google Chrome. The pop-up also advertises Bing's free access to ChatGPT-4, where users can have "hundreds of daily conversations with Bing AI."
“It's a notification that gives users the option to set Bing as the default search engine in Chrome. Those who choose to set Bing as their default search engine in Chrome when connected to their MSA will also have more conversations in Copilot and chat history,” Microsoft told Windows Latest via email.
"We value providing our customers with choices, so there is also an option to dismiss the notification," the company added.
Windows popup-ad changes Chrome search settings and sets Bing as Chrome search engine if you click “Yes”
But Microsoft's pop-up looks like malware. Although the company reduced its aggressive practices, due to the Prefecture of Digital Markets, seems restless. So he thought of making an adware-like ad available to continue to steal customers from the Chrome audience. This time it is even trying to be legal for the European courts since the advertisement is available from the server-side of the company.
However, the EU should consider that the Bing pop-up is not part of a Windows update and is possibly related to BCIlauncher.EXE or BingChatInstaller.EXE, which were added to some systems on March 13.
Both files are signed by Microsoft and you will find them inside the c:\windows\temp\mubstemp folder.
Microsoft said this is a one-time ad that won't appear again if you choose “No” or “Yes”. There is no “X” close button, but you can select “No thanks” to never see the ad again.
If you click “Yes” on the pop-up window, Microsoft will add the Bing extension to Chrome and change your search settings from Google Search to Bing.
