Bing as default search engine in Microsoft Rewards Level up activities

Question

I already followed the steps on how to set Bing as default search engine in Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, and mobile device in Level up activities, but it is still in not started status.

How can I resolve the issue?

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi Princess Joy Tabas, 

I can understand why this is confusing if Bing is already set as the default, you’d expect the activity to move out of Not started. 

To help narrow down what’s blocking the status update, could you share a bit more detail? 

• Which device are you completing the activity on: Windows/Mac, Android/iOS, or all of them? 
• Are you using InPrivate/Incognito, a VPN/Proxy, or any ad‑block/privacy extensions? 

In addition, please reply with the information requested by the Independent Advisor, as that information can help continue the troubleshooting more efficiently and reduce repeated questions. 

In the meantime, please try the steps below (in order). These focus on making sure the Rewards system can detect the change. 

1. Confirm Bing is truly the default search engine (not just homepage/new tab) 

• In Edge (desktop): 
  • Open Edge > Settings > Privacy, search, and services 
  • Set “Search engine used in the address bar” to Bing 
  • Restart Edge 
  • Test: type any keyword in the address bar > results should open on bing.com 

2. Do a few Bing searches after setting the default 

• After confirming Bing is default 
• Open a normal window (not InPrivate/Incognito) 
• Do 3–5 searches using the address bar 
• Wait 15–30 minutes, then refresh the Rewards page and check the activity again 

3. Temporarily disable blockers that can prevent tracking/recognition 

• For a quick test, please temporarily turn off InPrivate/Incognito, Ad blockers / privacy extensions and any strict tracking prevention settings (temporarily) 
• Then repeat 3–5 Bing searches and re-check the activity. 

4. Clear site data for Bing/Rewards (targeted) 

• If it still doesn’t update, please clear cookies/site data for: bing.com, rewards.microsoft.com, microsoft.com  
• Then sign back in and repeat the searches. 

While my initial response may not fully resolve the issue, I truly appreciate your cooperation as we work together toward identifying the most effective solution. Thank you so much for your understanding. 

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Answer 2

For issues with Microsoft Rewards progress not updating, including “Level up” activities such as setting Bing as the default search engine, the resolution must be handled by the Rewards support team because account status and qualification cannot be checked or fixed locally.

Submit a support request so the Rewards team can review the account and correct the activity status:

1. Go to the Microsoft Rewards support page: https://rewards.bing.com/support
2. Sign in with the same account used for Rewards.
3. Choose the issue type related to points or activities not tracking.
4. Describe that Bing has already been set as the default search engine on Edge, Chrome, and mobile, but the “Level up” activity still shows “Not started.”
5. Submit the request and wait for the Rewards team to respond.

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References:

• Points for Bing search - Microsoft Q&A