Question:

How did Microsoft respond to the user feedback regarding the planned deployment of the Microsoft Search in Bing browser extension through Office 365 ProPlus?

Answer:

Microsoft has announced some changes to its plan for deploying the Microsoft Search in Bing browser extension through Office 365 ProPlus, after receiving feedback from users and administrators.

The Microsoft Search in Bing extension is an optional feature that sets Bing as the default search engine for Google Chrome and provides easier access to Microsoft Search capabilities. Microsoft Search in Bing helps users find work-related information, such as people, files, internal sites, and more, from their organization and the web.

Originally, Microsoft intended to automatically deploy the extension to devices running Windows that have Office 365 ProPlus installed, starting from Version 2002, in specific locations. However, this decision sparked some backlash from users and administrators who were concerned about the lack of choice and control over the default search engine settings .

In response to the feedback, Microsoft has adjusted its approach to better address the concerns that were raised. The main changes are as follows:

• The Microsoft Search in Bing browser extension will not be automatically deployed with Office 365 ProPlus.
• Administrators will be able to opt in to deploy the browser extension to their organization through Office 365 ProPlus, by using a new toggle in the Microsoft 365 admin center.
• In the near term, Office 365 ProPlus will only deploy the browser extension to AD-joined devices, even within organizations that have opted in. In the future, Microsoft will add specific settings to govern the deployment of the extension to unmanaged devices.
• Users who receive the extension will continue to have control over their search engine preference, by using an On/Off toggle to stop using Bing as the default search engine.

Due to these changes, the Microsoft Search in Bing extension will not ship with Version 2002 of Office 365 ProPlus. Microsoft will deliver a new Message center post once a revised launch date has been determined, and that post will include details on the admin controls that will be available prior to launch.

Microsoft has thanked the users and administrators who provided feedback and encouraged them to continue to share their input through Message center feedback.

— : [Microsoft Search in Bing and Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise] : [Microsoft is forcing Edge on Windows users with a spyware-like install] : [Microsoft backtracks on changing Chrome’s search engine to Bing] : [Update to Microsoft Search in Bing through Office 365 ProPlus] : [Microsoft is forcing Edge on Windows users with a spyware-like install](https://www.theverge.com/2020/1/23/21078343/microsoft-search-in-bing-chrome-extension-office-365-proplus-install) : [Microsoft backtracks on changing Chrome’s search engine to Bing](https://www.engadget.com/2020-02-11-microsoft-backtracks-on-changing-chrome-search-engine-to-bing.html) :

[Update to Microsoft Search in Bing through Office 365 ProPlus](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/office-365-blog/update-to-microsoft-search-in-bing-through-office-365-proplus/ba-p/1161030)