Microsoft Bing Introduces New Tools to Disable AI Copilot Search Responses

Taking Control of Your Search Experience

Microsoft has officially rolled out a new feature designed to give users more agency over their search environment. Recognizing that while generative AI is transformative, it is not always the preferred interface for every search query, the company is now offering ways to toggle off AI-generated Copilot answers in Bing search results.

How to Disable AI Responses

Microsoft has introduced two primary methods for users who wish to opt out of the AI-enhanced search experience:

• Browser Extensions: Microsoft has released preview extensions for both Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge. Once installed, these extensions allow users to toggle AI chat-like features on or off with a single click.
• Query Appending: For users who prefer a quicker, on-the-fly solution, Microsoft has implemented a simple text-based command. By appending -ai to the end of any search query, the search engine will bypass the AI Copilot response, delivering a traditional link-based search results page.

Why the Change?

Jordi Ribas, the President and Head of Search at Microsoft, emphasized the importance of user choice in the modern search landscape. “It’s a simple but important step we’re taking to ensure that our users always feel confident they have a choice in the search experience we’re providing,” Ribas stated on social media. He further noted that user research indicates that not every searcher wants or needs AI assistance for every task.

The Future of Search Customization

Some users have questioned why Microsoft chose to deploy a browser extension rather than a permanent account-level setting. According to Michael Schechter of Microsoft, the current approach is intentional. “We’re looking to better understand what people are looking for with features like this,” Schechter explained. “The extension lets the most interested users show us the right path forward.”

This move comes at a time when the search market is seeing shifts in user behavior. With competitors like DuckDuckGo experiencing a surge in usage—partly attributed to their lack of forced AI responses—Microsoft is demonstrating a willingness to adapt its product to meet diverse user preferences. By gathering feedback from this preview phase, Microsoft aims to determine the best way to integrate more flexible search controls into the broader Bing ecosystem in the future.