Understanding web search in Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat

Why web search matters

When web search is on, Copilot Chat generates a short Bing query based on your prompt. This allows Copilot to reason more effectively over your prompt by incorporating timely, relevant information from the web.

This is especially helpful when:

• You’re exploring specialized or emerging topics

• You need current industry trends or market data

• You’re planning travel or events

• You’re conducting competitive analysis or research

Try it out with prompts like:

Sources

When Copilot uses web search, you’ll see a sources button below your response.

Select the button to view the exact query Copilot sent to Bing and the sources it used. This helps you understand how Copilot interpreted your prompt and builds trust in the results.

How it works

• Copilot​​​​​​​ generates a Bing search query using a few words from your prompt or any file you’ve uploaded.

• The full prompt or file is not used as the query unless it’s already very short (for example, “New York City weather”).

• If your organization allows web search, you’ll be able to use it without taking additional action.

Turn on Web Search

Your organization's policies determine whether Copilot uses web search. If your organization has enabled Copilot, and you have a Microsoft 365 Copilot license, you can control whether Copilot uses web search when you're in work mode.

To turn web search on or off:

1. In Copilot Chat, select the ... menu in the top right corner.

2. Use the Web content toggle to turn web search on or off.

If web search is disabled by your organization, Copilot will still respond—but without the benefit of current web information.

You may see a message like:

Web search is off. This response may lack the latest online information. Your organization controls this setting.

To turn on web search if your organization has disabled it, reach out to your administrator.