Microsoft built MicrosoftSettings.exe, an app that installs a Bing extension across Chrome and Edge, then redirects you to Microsoft Rewards.

Crossposted from https://lemmy.world/post/50960187

Microsoft has apparently found the free time to build a standalone app whose only job is switching your default search engine to Bing across every browser on your PC. It is not force-installed through Windows Update yet, and it is not available in the Microsoft Store either. It is a standalone executable hosted on Microsoft’s official download servers, and we wonder why it even exists.

The app is called Microsoft Recommended Search Settings, and once installed, it prompts you to add extensions to all your installed browsers, which does the job of switching to the Bing homepage experience. After finishing installation, you also get redirected to the Microsoft Rewards page, which is basically a bribe for switching.

  • Skeezix@lemmy.worldEnglish
    169·
    16 hours ago

    At this point in history if you’re still on windows you deserve what you get

    • Tiral@lemmy.world
      1·
      7 hours ago

      Unfortunately, what I do requires Windows. I could install Linux dual boot, but I’m lazy. Linux is still pretty shit with Nvidia cards, which holds the market share still somehow.

    • JensSpahnpasta@feddit.org
      131·
      14 hours ago

      Please do not blame abused people for the increasingly abusive actions of their abuser. Yes, people should get away from Windows and everything Microsoft, but there are a lot of reasons why so many people are not using Linux.

    • Kjell@lemmy.world
      2·
      15 hours ago

      Hopefully it is not installed on windows 11 enterprise, it’s not like we can change what OS the companies are using.

      • OwOarchist@pawb.socialEnglish
        31·
        15 hours ago

        it’s not like we can change what OS the companies are using.

        Depends how locked-down your work computer is.

        “But sir, nothing in the employee guidebook said I couldn’t install Debian on my work laptop. Yes, I’m aware our business software doesn’t run on Debian. That’s why I put the support ticket in.”

        • Jesus_666@lemmy.world
          2·
          10 hours ago

          I can’t even access the settings on my work laptop. Or the VM I have to connect to through AVD. I do have admin privileges on the Windows Server VM I have to connect to from AVD but I can’t exactly install an operating system over RDP.

        • Kjell@lemmy.world
          2·
          14 hours ago

          The it department is blocking almost everything in my company. They even remove some older python and java versions which is needed to support our old software. I will not even try to download the Debian installation image. But I hope other companies are less restrictive.