The official "Bing Wallpaper app" does some nasty, malware-like things to Windows

Microsoft's Bing Wallpaper app acts like malware, impacting Windows users' privacy and browser settings.

: The Bing Wallpaper app released by Microsoft for Windows is behaving like adware or malware, raising concerns over privacy and security. Noted developer Rafael Rivera exposed diverse tactics the app employs, including automatically changing browser settings and installing extensions. Users express dissatisfaction with Microsoft's approach, with some considering legal action. Alternative wallpaper apps without these issues exist, making Bing Wallpaper unnecessary.

Microsoft's Bing Wallpaper app, recently made available through the Windows Store, offers users a daily-changing wallpaper feature. However, it has also been criticized for incorporating suspicious behaviors akin to malware, such as altering browser settings and installing extensions without consent, as highlighted by developer Rafael Rivera.

Rivera describes the app as being intrusive, citing its attempts to make Edge the default browser and install unwanted extensions in others like Chrome and Firefox. Rivera provides methods to counter these changes and even suggests the possibility of the app's self-removal via a registry key.

Netizens have voiced displeasure at Microsoft's approach, and there are calls for potential legal action. Given the available alternatives for wallpaper customization such as Dynamic Wallpaper and Wallpaper Engine, Bing Wallpaper's value is questioned, especially considering Windows 11's built-in dynamic wallpaper feature.

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