NLWeb: AI Answers Without Search Engines

Microsoft has introduced NLWeb, an open protocol designed to make websites respond directly to natural language queries, effectively turning them into AI-powered applications. Announced at Build 2025, this initiative aims to shift how users access online information by bypassing traditional search engine result pages.

NLWeb builds upon existing web standards like Schema.org and RSS, adding a natural language layer. It integrates with the Model Context Protocol (MCP), an industry-standard for connecting AI systems to external data sources, allowing AI agents to query website content programmatically. Early adopters include prominent platforms like Shopify and TripAdvisor.

The protocol exposes two endpoints: '/ask' for human queries and '/mcp' for AI agent interactions. The '/ask' endpoint employs a multi-step LLM process for more consistent responses and maintains chat history for contextual follow-ups. The technology-agnostic nature of NLWeb ensures flexibility in model and infrastructure choices.

Microsoft Build 2026 is expected to showcase the protocol's advancement, with Cloudflare already offering native NLWeb support. The event's focus on practical AI agent development means NLWeb could see significant traction as it moves from experiment to production-ready technology. Web developers are encouraged to ensure their sites have well-structured data for optimal performance.