We know HOW to remedy Edge updates forcing Bing search, the question is how to make Microsoft STOP CHANGING USER PREFS.

Edge respects some, but not all, user preferences; certain behaviors (like using Bing-related features and collecting de‑identified search data for product improvement) are controlled by built‑in settings that can be turned off but may be reset or re‑enabled by updates.

To reduce unwanted changes and data use in Edge, adjust these settings:

1. Turn off search-results data collection for product improvement
   1. Open Microsoft Edge.
   2. Select Settings and more (…) > Settings.
   3. Select Privacy, search, and services.
   4. Under Privacy, turn off Help improve Microsoft products by sending the results from searches on the web (or Send optional diagnostic data to improve Microsoft products depending on the build).
   This stops new search-results data from being sent for product improvement. Previously collected data remains de‑identified and not associated with the account or device.
2. Control Copilot/Edge personalization
   1. In the Edge sidebar, select the More menu (…) > Settings > Privacy.
   2. Disable Context clues to prevent Copilot from using the current webpage, browser history, or preferences.
   3. Disable Personalization and memory to prevent Copilot from using memory from previous conversations, Bing/MSN activity, or inferred interests.
3. Manage extensions and search engine changes If extensions are changing search or other preferences:
   1. Select the Extensions icon (puzzle piece) next to the address bar > Manage Extensions.
   2. For any extension that changes search or the new tab page, either:
      • Turn it off using the toggle, or
      • Select Details and adjust Site access (for example, set to On click and limit to specific URLs).
   3. To restore a preferred search engine if an extension or corruption changed it:
      • Go to Settings and more (…) > Settings.
      • Select Privacy, search, and services > Search and connected experiences > Address bar and search.
      • Choose the preferred search engine and set it as default.
4. Keep Edge updated but controlled Edge updates can introduce changes, but staying current is required for security. On metered or special connections, updates may need manual control:
   1. Go to Settings and more (…) > Help and feedback > About Microsoft Edge.
   2. If An update is available, choose Download and install when convenient.
   3. If prompted to restart, select Restart to apply the update.

These steps limit how much Edge and its services can adjust or use preferences, but core update and feature behaviors (including Bing integration) are part of the product design and cannot be fully disabled beyond the available settings.

References:

• User data and privacy in Microsoft Edge
• Learn more about search and service improvements in Microsoft Edge
• Getting started with Copilot in Microsoft Edge
• Microsoft Edge Extensions: Frequently Asked Questions
• Microsoft Edge update settings
• Why does Microsoft Edge turn off extensions I've installed?