Microsoft will no longer force Bing by default for Office 365 ProPlus customers

Backlash from around the web changed Microsoft’s mind on forcing Bing onto people.

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What you need to know

Microsoft will no longer forcibly make Bing the default search engine in Chrome for Office 365 ProPlus customers. Atechcommunity post from Microsoftannounced the change. Microsoft states that people will have the choice to opt-in to have the Microsoft Search in Bing browser extension installed.

Microsoft was going to install the Microsoft Search Bing extension onto any system with Office 365 ProPlus that didn’t already have Bing set as the default search engine. This would have effectively forced Bing onto Office 365 ProPlus customers. The move set offwaves of backlasharound the web, which caused Microsoft to change its plans. As a result of feedback from customers, Microsoft will make the following changes:

As a result of these changes, the Microsoft Search in Bing extension will not ship with Version 2002 of Office 365 ProPlus.

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Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.