This week, Microsoft has officially introduced the Bing Wallpaper application to the Microsoft Store, a tool that was before accessible only through a standalone download.
This straightforward application updates the Windows desktop wallpaper with a new image every day while offering users insights into those images. Notably, this version available in the store operates as a Win32 application.
However, there are some worrisome aspects related to this app.
Concerning Behavior
Software engineer Rafael Rivera, known for his work on applications like EarTrumpet, installed the Bing Wallpaper app to scrutinize its functionalities. He shared his findings on X.
Here are his key observations:
- The application automatically installs Bing Visual Search on both Windows 10 and 11 devices.
- Upon the initial launch, it prompts users to establish Microsoft Bing as the default homepage and search engine in browsers such as Edge, Firefox, and Chrome.
- It includes code aimed at “analyzing and decrypting” cookies from Edge, Chrome, and Firefox.
- The application requests access to the geolocation web API.
- It recommends setting Microsoft Edge as the default web browser.
- Furthermore, it opens a tab in the default (non-Edge) browser that encourages users to enable the Microsoft Bing Search extension for that browser.
Some of Rivera’s claims have been confirmed as valid. He has advised against the use of the app, a sentiment we also echo.
Superior Alternatives to Bing Wallpaper
Numerous applications and services can automatically refresh desktop wallpapers. Windows Spotlight, for example, is already integrated into the operating system.
For those seeking options outside the Microsoft ecosystem, there are many alternatives available. Here are a few options:
- Lively Wallpaper is a free application that supports both static and animated wallpapers, allowing you to use video files, animated GIFs, or even web pages as your background.
- Active Desktop Plus is another similar solution that provides animated wallpapers along with additional features.
- DynaWin is a free wallpaper application that can modify the wallpaper according to the time of day or specific events.
- For space enthusiasts, SpaceEye is a free app focused on satellite imagery.
- Finally, Chameleon is a comprehensive application that can change the desktop background based on time or weather conditions.
It is disheartening to see that Microsoft is engaging in behaviors with some of its applications that are often associated with malware. If not originating from Microsoft, Bing Wallpaper would likely be classified as a PUP, or potentially unwanted program, by Microsoft Defender.
Image Source: Wachiwit / Shutterstock
