Microsoft Tests Removing Sitelinks from Bing Results
The search engine platform is currently experimenting with omitting sitelinks from certain search result snippets.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Internet
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Microsoft is currently conducting a test that involves removing sitelinks from search result snippets on Bing. The change was first identified on October 20, 2026.
Why it matters
Changes to search result layouts can significantly impact how users navigate websites and how information is surfaced during their search experience.
The test involves the omission of sitelinks, which are typically displayed to help users navigate deep links within a domain. Observed results show that these snippets appear inconsistently across different browsers for identical search queries.
The players
Microsoft
Microsoft is a global technology corporation that owns and operates the Bing search engine.
Khushal Bherwani
Khushal Bherwani is a researcher known for identifying and documenting changes in search engine interface testing.
The details
Microsoft is currently experimenting with a layout modification that removes sitelinks from search result snippets. First identified by Khushal Bherwani, the test exhibits inconsistencies, as some browser instances display the links while others omit them for the same query.
Timeline
October 20, 2026: The Bing sitelink test was first identified and reported.
The Tech Race
This experimental removal of sitelinks from Bing search result snippets marks a shift in how the engine prioritizes information delivery. It reflects a broader effort to refine interface layouts to compete more effectively with rival search platforms.
Users may notice inconsistent search results that lack deep-link navigation shortcuts depending on their browser. This could temporarily alter the workflow for those who rely on sitelinks to jump directly to specific subsections of a website.
The takeaway
Users should be aware that search interfaces are frequently updated and may vary during testing phases. Relying on direct URL navigation remains a reliable way to access specific pages if sitelinks are hidden or unavailable.
Further reading
For more on evolving web search practices, visit the Internet section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Search Engine Roundtable.
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Do you prefer search results that display sitelinks for easier navigation?
