Introduction:
Google’s new AI Overviews feature has caused some frustration among users who want to disable it. While there is no direct “off” button, users can still access the traditional search results by using the “Web” tab. This article explores why Google implemented this AI feature and provides a step-by-step guide on how to disable it in Chrome settings.
The Rise of AI in Google:
Google has positioned itself as an AI company, and its recent developer conference, Google I/O, showcased its latest AI features. One of these features is the AI Overviews, which have been available as an opt-in for the curious users for months. However, Google has now made it the default setting for millions of users in the U.S., with plans to expand it to over a billion users worldwide.
The Need for a Solution:
While some users appreciate the AI Overviews, others find them intrusive and prefer the traditional search results. For those who want to opt out of the AI summaries, manually selecting the “Web” option for each search is necessary. Interestingly, the default AI Overview feature was not enabled in Safari or Microsoft Edge browsers during testing, suggesting that using alternative browsers might be a temporary solution.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Disable AI Overviews in Chrome:
For dedicated Chrome users who want to continue using the browser but disable the AI Overviews, there is a simple workaround. By adjusting the Chrome settings, users can prevent the automatic display of AI summaries. Here’s how:
Step 1: Navigate to your search engine settings by entering “chrome://settings/searchEngines” in the URL bar and pressing return.
Step 2: Click the “Add” button next to Site Search below your list of search engines.
Step 3: Enter “{google:baseURL}/search?udm=14&q=%s” under “URL with %s in place of query,” and provide a name for this search engine, such as “Google (Web).”
Step 4: Once created, click the hamburger button and select “Make default.”
This adjustment in Chrome settings will allow users to continue using the browser without being interrupted by AI Overviews.
Conclusion:
While Google’s AI Overviews feature has become the default setting for millions of users, there are ways to disable it for those who prefer traditional search results. By manually selecting the “Web” option or adjusting the Chrome settings, users can regain control over their search experience. Whether users embrace or reject AI summaries, Google’s push towards AI integration highlights the company’s commitment to advancing technology and providing users with innovative features.
