check before: 2026-03-01
Product:
Microsoft Search, SharePoint
Platform:
Online, Web, World tenant
Status:
Change type:
User impact, Retirement
Links:
Details:
Summary:
The Web Search (Bing) image pivot in SharePoint page image picker will be retired between March and April 2026 due to the Bing Search API retirement. Authors will lose web image search but retain Stock images, uploads, and site assets. No admin action is needed; inform users accordingly.
Details:
[Introduction]
We are retiring the Web Search (Bing) image pivot within the SharePoint page image picker. This feature allowed authors to search the web for images using Bing and insert them into SharePoint pages. Because Microsoft has retired the underlying Bing Search API, the Web Search (Bing) image pivot will no longer function reliably and will be removed from SharePoint Pages.
[When this will happen:]
Retirement will begin in early March 2026 and is expected to be completed by late April 2026.
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
Created:
2026-02-11
updated:
2026-02-11
Task Type
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Docu to Check
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MS How does it affect me
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MS Preperations
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summary for non-techies**
SharePoint will remove the Web Search (Bing) image option from its page image picker due to the retirement of the Bing Search API, requiring users to rely on other image sources like Stock images, local uploads, and images stored within their SharePoint site.
Direct effects for Operations**
Loss of Web Image Search Functionality
Authors will no longer be able to search for and insert web images directly into SharePoint pages, limiting their options for content creation.
- roles: SharePoint Page Authors, Content Creators
- references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/sharepoint-developer-blog/announcing-the-retirement-of-web-search-bing-image-pivot-in/ba-p/3701230
Increased Dependency on Stock Images and Local Uploads
With the removal of web image search, authors will need to rely more on stock images and local uploads, which may not meet all content needs.
- roles: SharePoint Page Authors, Marketing Teams
- references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/sharepoint-developer-blog/announcing-the-retirement-of-web-search-bing-image-pivot-in/ba-p/3701230
User Experience Disruption
Authors may experience frustration and disruption in their workflow due to the sudden loss of a familiar feature, impacting productivity.
- roles: SharePoint Page Authors, IT Support Staff
- references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/sharepoint-developer-blog/announcing-the-retirement-of-web-search-bing-image-pivot-in/ba-p/3701230
Need for Updated Training and Documentation
Internal training materials and documentation will need to be updated to reflect the changes, requiring additional resources and time.
- roles: Training Coordinators, IT Support Staff
- references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/sharepoint-developer-blog/announcing-the-retirement-of-web-search-bing-image-pivot-in/ba-p/3701230
Increased Help Desk Inquiries
Help desk staff may receive an increase in inquiries from users confused about the removal of the web image search feature, leading to potential delays in support.
- roles: Help Desk Staff, IT Support Staff
- references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/sharepoint-developer-blog/announcing-the-retirement-of-web-search-bing-image-pivot-in/ba-p/3701230
Configutation Options**
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Potentional Risks**
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IT Security**
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explanation for non-techies**
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** AI generated content. This information must be reviewed before use.
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Last updated 4 weeks ago ago
