Over the last couple of days, a story about Microsoft PC Manager suggesting to reset the default search engine of Microsoft Edge to Bing made the rounds.
While I’m usually critical when Microsoft is introducing new ads on Windows or trying to persuade users to use its products, I think this new attempt is blown out of proportion.
Before you start asking how much Microsoft paid me for that opinion, hear me out.
Microsoft PC Manager
Microsoft PC Manager is available in select regions only. Created by a Microsoft team in China, it is added to Chinese Windows systems from this month onward.
The tool has a couple of options. Notable are PC boost, which tries to reduce memory usage and the space that temporary files occupy. There is also an option to manage some startup items, processes, or run a deep clean operation to free up more space.
It is a basic tool, but some users may find it useful. One of the features of PC Manager is that it can show tips to the user. These tips are also basic. One of them checks the default search engine of Microsoft Edge. If it is not Bing Search, PC Manager will suggest resetting it as a tip.
While it can be seen as yet another attempt from Microsoft to get users to use Bing Search, it can be helpful as well. The case here is if a malicious software has changed the search engine in Edge.
Yes, it does not happen as often anymore as five or so years ago, but there is still a chance of that happening.
Edge users who have changed the default search engine can also ignore the suggestion easily. While I agree that putting this as a repair tip stretches the definition of repair in many cases, it is still not as problematic as resetting search providers automatically after the installation of updates or showing annoying notifications if you happen to use the “wrong” browser.
In worst case, users select the option to have the search engine in Edge reset to Bing. It takes a couple of clicks to change the search engine again.
Closing Words
Better tools exist to handle what PC Manager offers. It is a Microsoft app, on the other hand, which may appeal to users who were burned by other booster apps or optimization apps.
All in all, it is often better not to use apps like PC Manager. Most functionality is manageable elsewhere better. For startup items, use Autoruns. For storage, try BleachBit. For processes, try the Windows Task Manager or Process Explorer.
What is your take on this? Have you used Edge or Bing Search recently?
I use edge but never bing search. I am in the USA.
In edge, I keep getting popups asking me to let M$ set the edge browser settings the way M$ feels is best. There is no “NO” button. There is only “yes” and “later”. There is a close “X” in the top right corner, I use that. The last one wanted to switch me back to bing search too.
I am tired of M$ trying to trick me into undoing all my settings. Is there a way to disable this in edge?
When I was using Edge, I could not find anything to disable this behavior through extensions or scripts. There are also no setting options for it either in Edge or Windows. The only hope is if somebody finds registry hack.
Edge was a decent browser if you do not count tracking, but it became part of Microsoft nagware machine. I would advise everybody to remove Edge, Chrome and Firefox and use Chrome and Firefox based browsers. You will be able to pick one of many browsers that are currently on the market with much less nagging, fewer ads and little learning curve.