Microsoft has recently introduced its Bing Wallpaper app to the Microsoft Store, a move that has stirred a mix of curiosity and concern among users. This application, which has been available for direct download since 2020, automatically updates the Windows wallpaper with the daily Bing image, showcasing stunning visuals, often in 4K resolution. While the app is free, it appears that there may be hidden implications that users should be aware of.
The Vice President of Bing emphasized the app’s cost-free nature, a notable contrast to some competing wallpaper applications. However, users have raised alarms regarding the app’s functionality beyond its primary purpose. According to Rafael Rivera, a developer and Microsoft MVP, the app installs additional components like Bing Visual Search and contains code that can access and decrypt cookies from browsers such as Edge, Chrome, and Firefox. Rivera has even shared a list of extensions that IT administrators might consider blocking to mitigate these concerns.
Further scrutiny reveals that the Bing Wallpaper app employs tactics that could be perceived as intrusive. For instance, it prompts users to install the Microsoft Bing Search extension for Chrome by opening a new tab upon startup. Additionally, a background process known as ‘BGAUpsell’—short for Bing Growth Apps—encourages users to switch their default search engine to Bing when using Chrome.
Analysis: Big thumbs-down to the Bing Upsell
While the veracity of these claims remains unverified, the information circulating raises significant privacy concerns. As of now, there has been no official response from Microsoft or the Bing team addressing these revelations. For those who prioritize privacy and wish to avoid unsolicited prompts to use Microsoft products, it may be prudent to steer clear of the Bing Wallpaper app.
Interestingly, users have pointed out that Windows Spotlight offers similar functionality without the potential drawbacks associated with the Bing Wallpaper app. This feature can be activated through Settings > Personalization > Background > Personalize your background > Windows Spotlight. Although it remains unclear whether this built-in option matches the Bing Wallpaper app in terms of features, it presents a viable alternative worth considering.
Feedback on platforms like Reddit suggests that the app’s behavior has shifted in recent months, with users noting an increase in aggressive prompts for Bing. One user remarked that the app was once unobtrusive but has since become more insistent in its recommendations. While anecdotal, this sentiment reflects a growing unease among users regarding the app’s evolving nature.
