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Copilot Search: Microsoft's AI search surfaces and how they changed

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Copilot Search launched in Microsoft's Fall Release on 23rd Oct 2025 and reached the Copilot app on 7th Nov. Copilot Mode in Edge was retired in May 2026, and Copilot itself now needs a sign-in.

Copilot Search is Microsoft's cited AI answer surface. It "combines AI-generated answers with traditional results in one view", per the Fall Release of 23rd Oct 2025.

A Search mode reached the Copilot app on 7th Nov 2025, with prominent citations and a sources pane. Bing Webmaster Tools began measuring the surface three months later.

Two changes in 2026 reshaped the surfaces. Copilot Mode in Edge was retired on 13th May, its features folded into default Edge.

On 31st Aug Copilot itself went behind a sign-in wall, while Copilot Search inside Bing stayed open.

Each step below links to its entry and primary source on our Microsoft Copilot tracker.

Rollout log

Sources

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to sign in to use Copilot?

Yes for copilot.microsoft.com, since 31st Aug 2026, per a Microsoft product manager. Copilot Search inside Bing still answers without an account.

What happened to Copilot Mode in Edge?

Microsoft retired it on 13th May 2026 after nine and a half months. Its features moved into default Edge; the label went, not the AI.

Compiled by Claude from primary sources, checked by Akash Mansukhani before publication. See how we source and correct this page.
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Cite this page: Keywords Everywhere, "Copilot Search: Microsoft's AI search surfaces and how they changed", last updated 31st Aug 2026, /kw/news/microsoft-copilot-updates/copilot-search/