Microsoft launches Copilot Search to bring AI summaries to Bing
The company wants to rival Google and other search engines, pushing into generative AI
Microsoft is bringing its generative AI assistant, Copilot, directly into Bing Search. The new tool, Copilot Search, provides generative responses based on users’ queries.
According to the company, Copilot Search combines traditional web search and generative search to provide AI-generated summaries.
Users can search and find brief, curated answers with source links pulled from multiple publishers. This works like Google AI Overviews, which provides concise answers based on users’ searches.
The company claimed that Copilot Search aims to prevent endless scrolling. Bing users no longer have to scroll through dozens of blue links to put together an answer. Instead, they’ll get a summary, links to cited sources, and suggested follow-up queries in the results. Users will also find relevant images and videos.
Follow-up queries and suggested topics
Microsoft says Copilot Search will enable users to keep exploring topics they find interesting. After the first answer, Bing suggests related topics that users can click on to go in-depth, and each result will include a full list of the original sources.
Copilot Search will keep users on topic
With Copilot Search, users can explore related topics and still have their original search accessible from the same page. Microsoft says this keeps search journeys organized. Unlike standard search, which requires users to hit the back button repeatedly, Copilot Search keeps previous results visible on the same page. That means searches become grouped, with context staying intact as users explore different aspects of a topic.
For example, if someone searches “how to run a successful YouTube ad campaign,” they might get a summarized answer, links to supporting guides, and suggestions like “best video ad formats” or “targeting tools in Google Ads.” Clicking on those doesn't erase the original query; it stacks the new information, building a full picture in one place.
Microsoft is aiming to compete with the likes of Google and Perplexity
Microsoft is building on Bing Generative Search, launched in October 2024. The company wants to improve Bing’s capabilities as the race for generative and conversational searches hightens.
Google is currently testing AI Mode with more users. Google says AI Mode will provide complex queries and advanced reasoning to users. It has also expanded AI Overviews to more countries. Perplexity is also aiming for space with generative AI. The platform pulls in results from across the web and presents them in a conversational, citation-rich format. What Microsoft is doing differently here is adding that functionality directly into Bing’s existing infrastructure.
How to access Copilot Search
The feature is now live globally. Users can go to aka.ms/CopilotSearchinBing or open Bing.com. The Copilot Search bar will appear directly on the home screen or through related queries below the results.
Copilot Search is also available to mobile users. Users can also access the tool from the app.