Bing on Windows 11 Encourages Users to Avoid Google by Highlighting Donations

What would entice you to continue using Bing instead of switching to Google? Would it be a promotional banner showcasing the features of Microsoft Edge, a page designed to resemble Google, or perhaps a search bar that suggests your queries could contribute to donations through Microsoft Rewards? Remarkably, this is the approach Bing adopts when you search for “Google”while using Edge.

In January 2025, Windows Latest highlighted a significant and somewhat contentious modification to Bing.com’s user interface. This change became evident when users searched for Google, leading Bing to implement tactics aimed at persuading users to remain within its ecosystem by mimicking Google’s design.

Upon entering “Google”into the Bing search box, I encountered an additional search bar accompanied by an animated image of celebratory individuals, reminiscent of Google’s signature homepage style. This strategic move cleverly disguises Bing, allowing casual users to feel as though they are still navigating within the familiar territory of Google.

Bing’s New Advertising Strategy Promotes Nonprofit Donations to Retain Users

The previous advertisement that imitated Google’s interface has been superseded by an innovative new tactic aimed at retaining users’ attention when they search for Google.

Bing ad for Google — Image Courtesy: WindowsLatest.com

As depicted in the screenshot above, Bing presents a well-known hero ad that dominates the search results page whenever users attempt to look up Google. This time, however, the tagline has changed to: “Every Microsoft Bing search brings you closer to a free donation for over 2 million nonprofits.”

In this fresh approach, Bing not only captures the essence of Google’s search box but also strategically positions organic Google results lower on the page. Users are presented with a second search bar that closely resembles the Google interface, enticing them to remain on Bing rather than transitioning to Google. To sweeten the deal, Microsoft has added a note emphasizing that searches on its platform can support charitable contributions.

Recent tests conducted by Windows Latest revealed that the URL directs users to rewards.microsoft.com/redeem/donate?form=sdonate, serving as the donation endpoint.

Bing integrates closely with Microsoft Rewards, the company’s internal rewards program. This program enables users to earn points through continuous use of Bing, which can be converted into donations for the nonprofit of their choice. Users signed into their accounts can transform the Reward points accrued from their searches into charitable donations—all at no personal cost, as it’s funded by Microsoft’s Rewards budget and advertising expenditures.

The Long-Term Potential of Bing’s Advertising Strategy

How you perceive these advertisements is subjective; whether you label them clever, sneaky, or anti-competitive, their existence is likely to yield benefits for Microsoft in the long haul.

You might be wondering about the rationale behind this. Despite Bing being a competent search engine, Google has developed an overwhelming dominance in the search engine arena.

For most inexperienced users, their natural inclination is to use Google or Chrome, largely due to Google’s monopolistic presence. Many individuals have become accustomed to utilizing Google on their mobile devices, associating its brand with reliable information retrieval on the internet.

Microsoft’s promotional strategies could serve to enlighten users about Bing’s comparable capabilities. Those indifferent to the search engine competition are likely to continue using Bing, while others may reconsider their options.

What about you? Do you prefer Google over Bing or other competitors? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.

Source&Images