---
title: "Microsoft Restores Classic Search: Bing Gets an AI Toggle Switch"
description: "Microsoft has released an extension for Edge and Chrome that disables AI summaries and chat in Bing. The company emphasizes the user's right to choose between classic search and AI-driven features."
date: 2026-11-12T14:21:49.573Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/microsoft-bing-ai-switch-extension
tags: [microsoft, bing, artificial-intelligence, browser-extension, search-engine, chrome, edge]
author: "Alexander Buran"
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Microsoft Restores Classic Search: Bing Gets an AI Toggle Switch

![A toggle switch for enabling or disabling AI features in Bing search engine settings](https://xab.info/media/2026/11/12/microsoft-bing-viklyuchatel-ii-otvetov-rasshirenie/microsoft-bing-viklyuchatel-ii-otvetov-rasshirenie-1.webp)

## Key Points

- Microsoft released an Edge and Chrome extension to disable AI summaries and chat in Bing
- After installation, a toggle appears in the browser that works automatically for every search
- Without the extension, AI can be disabled manually by adding the "-ai" parameter to the query
- After installing the extension, Bing becomes the default search engine
- Microsoft cites the user's right to choose between AI search and classic search as the reason

Microsoft has released a browser extension for Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome that allows users to disable AI-based summaries and chat features in Bing search results at any time. The company is responding to an audience that considers forced AI technologies unnecessary and prefers the traditional list of links. Once the extension is installed, a toggle appears in the browser, allowing users to enable or disable AI features in Bing without extra steps.

### Microsoft's Official Stance: The Right to Choose

The company explained the decision by stating that users should have the freedom to choose when it comes to artificial intelligence. "We believe that when it comes to AI, Bing users should have a choice. That is why Bing offers both search with AI features and a traditional version, as well as a browser extension that allows people to easily disable AI features," stated Microsoft. They added that internal studies show users want to decide for themselves whether or not to engage AI in each session, and this new extension is designed to address that need.

### How the Extension Works and Browser Changes

The tool is already available for download on Chrome and Microsoft Edge. Once installed, a switch appears in the interface, which activates automatically for every search query, sparing the user from manual settings. A notable side effect is worth mentioning: after installation, Bing becomes the default search engine. While this makes logical sense to the company since the tool only functions with this search engine, it might come as a surprise to some users who prefer other defaults.

### An Alternative Without the Extension: The "-ai" Operator

Using the extension is not mandatory: when typing a search query, you can add "-ai" to the end, and all AI tools will be disabled in the Bing results for that specific request. The downside of this approach is obvious — the operator must be typed manually for every query, whereas the extension disables AI features automatically and globally. Thus, Microsoft essentially offers two levels of control: point-based disabling per request and global disabling per session or browser.

### Questions Regarding Implementation

It remains unclear why Microsoft implemented the AI toggle as a separate browser extension rather than adding a setting directly to the search engine website. This choice forces users to install a third-party (albeit official) tool rather than simply changing a setting in the Bing interface. Nevertheless, the very appearance of an official AI off-switch is a significant signal: the largest player in the search market recognizes that its audience is heterogeneous and is prepared to offer classic search as a full-fledged, rather than stripped-down, version of the service.

## Fact-Check & Sources

- [Microsoft вернула поиск без ИИ — в Bing появился выключатель ИИ-ответов](https://3dnews.ru/1151208) - Source: extension description, Microsoft statement, "-ai" operator alternative, default search engine change.
- [Microsoft вернула поиск без ИИ — в Bing появился выключатель ИИ-ответов](https://3dnews.ru/1151208/microsoft-vernula-poisk-bez-ii-v-bing-poyavilsya-viklyuchatel-iiotvetov) - Duplicate link to the same content; matches the primary source.

## FAQ

### In which browsers does the extension for disabling Bing AI work?

The extension is available for Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome.

### Can AI features be disabled without installing the extension?

Yes, by adding the "-ai" parameter at the end of your search query — this disables all AI tools in Bing for that specific search.

### What happens to the default search engine after installing the extension?

Bing becomes the default search engine in the browser.

### Why did Microsoft implement the AI disable feature as an extension?

The company cites the user's right to choose between AI-enhanced and traditional search; the specific reason for the extension format is not detailed.