If you've been eyeing the Bing Wallpaper app to enhance your Windows 11 experience, you might want to reconsider your download. Despite its seemingly innocuous appearance, a recent investigation has revealed that this app is embedded with concerning capabilities that could jeopardize your online privacy.

The Bing Wallpaper app, although not new, has recently found its way to the Microsoft Store for easier access. Curious about its sudden store debut, tech expert Rafael Rivera took a closer look and unearthed alarming functionalities that he claims gravely resemble malware designed by Microsoft. “Who even creates a dedicated wallpaper app these days?” Rivera asked, emphasizing how the rarity of such software led him to dig deeper.

Utilizing tools like ILSpy for code decompilation and Windows Sandbox for observation, Rivera uncovered features within the app that allow it to alter Chrome browser settings and access cookies from all major browsers for user tracking purposes. Shockingly, he pointed out that the app can display user prompts at adjustable intervals to minimize annoyance, utilize encrypted configuration storage, and even intercept browser launches to promote Microsoft’s Bing and Edge.

Rivera didn't stop there; he also discovered that the app silently installs Bing Visual Search on users' PCs without any consent. “I’ve just scratched the surface,” Rivera stated, implying that a thorough investigation could reveal even more concerning details about the app's capabilities.

For those who may be hesitant to audit the app themselves, ESET, a well-respected cybersecurity firm, has already flagged it as a potentially unwanted program.

In response to Rivera’s findings, Microsoft has denied the claims regarding the app decrypting user cookies, asserting that “the Bing Wallpaper app does not peruse and decrypt all user Edge and Chrome cookies.” However, Rivera dismissed this clarification as "splitting hairs," as he highlights that the app can locate, query, and decrypt cookies from browsers like Chrome and Edge well without any user knowledge—leading to significant privacy concerns.

Further adding to the intrigue, Rivera noted that while Microsoft’s official stance aims to calm fears, they conveniently avoid mentioning Firefox’s handling in this scenario—raising red flags about transparency and trustworthiness.

Despite Microsoft’s claims that the app hasn’t undergone significant changes, Rivera warns that the app's distribution channels and reconfiguration capabilities are troubling. “It’s not clear which settings come with what features,” he stated, encouraging users to think twice before installation.

In a world where data privacy is becoming increasingly critical, apps like Bing Wallpaper, which gather user information under the guise of providing a free service, are a cause for concern. Rivera expressed his dismay, stating, “It’s heartbreaking to witness a tech giant compromising user privacy and autonomy.”

Thinking of upgrading your wallpaper with this app? You might just be signing up for a bigger risk than you bargained for. Stay informed, stay safe!