Microsoft Bing Gives Searchers A Way To Disable AI Copilot Answers

06/08/26
Source: Search Engine Roundtable by barry@rustybrick.com (Barry Schwartz). Read the original article

TL;DR Summary of Microsoft Bing Introduces Extension to Disable AI Copilot Responses

Microsoft Bing has launched a new browser extension for Chrome and Edge that allows users to easily disable AI-generated Copilot responses in search results. Alternatively, users can append -ai to their queries to achieve the same effect without the extension. This move aims to offer users greater control and choice over their search experience, responding to feedback that not everyone wants AI assistance all the time. Microsoft is currently gathering user feedback to potentially integrate this feature more broadly in the future.

Optimixed’s Overview: Empowering User Choice with Microsoft Bing’s New AI Toggle Extension

Introduction to Bing’s AI Response Control

Microsoft Bing recently introduced a convenient way for users to toggle off AI Copilot responses, enhancing user control over their search experience. This new feature is accessible via a preview browser extension compatible with both Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge, or by simply adding -ai to the end of search queries.

Details and Functionality

  • Browser Extension: A one-click toggle that enables or disables AI chat-like features within Bing search results.
  • Query Modification: Adding -ai to queries disables AI responses without needing to install the extension.
  • User Control: This initiative reflects Microsoft’s commitment to giving users the freedom to choose when to use AI-powered search enhancements.

Context and User Feedback

Microsoft’s President of Search, Jordi Ribas, emphasized that while AI significantly enhances search capabilities, not all users prefer AI responses continuously. The extension is part of a broader effort to listen to user preferences and adapt the product accordingly. In response to queries about why this feature is an extension rather than a built-in setting, Michael Schechter from Microsoft explained that it is a preview tool designed to collect user feedback and help shape future integration.

Market Implications

This development comes amid growing interest in privacy-focused and AI-free search options, such as DuckDuckGo, which recently experienced a surge in usage due to its lack of AI-generated results. Microsoft’s approach attempts to balance offering powerful AI features while respecting user preferences.