As part of its push to streamline the creation of AI-powered chatbots for websites, Microsoft has introduced NLWeb, an open project aimed at making it easier for developers to add conversational interfaces to web pages.

Figure 1. Microsoft’s NLWeb Brings Chatbots to More Websites.

Unveiled at Build 2025, NLWeb enables websites to integrate a chatbot using just a few lines of code, their preferred AI model, and custom data. For example, a retailer could deploy a bot to suggest outfits for specific occasions, while a culinary site might offer pairing suggestions for recipes. Figure 1 shows Microsoft’s NLWeb Brings Chatbots to More Websites.

Sites using NLWeb can also opt to make their content discoverable by AI systems that support MCP — a standard developed by Anthropic to connect AI models with underlying data sources.

Microsoft describes NLWeb as playing “a similar role to HTML for the agentic web,” offering users a rich, semantic way to interact directly with content.

While not confirmed, NLWeb may be built on technology originally developed by OpenAI. Last November, The Information reported that OpenAI had collaborated with companies like Condé Nast, Redfin, Eventbrite, and Priceline on early versions of a similar tool. Although the initial rollout faced technical delays, NLWeb now appears ready for broader adoption — possibly in a refined form.

What is NLWeb?

NLWeb is Microsoft’s new open project designed to make it easier for websites to add AI-powered chatbots. It provides a simple way for websites to offer a “conversational interface” — meaning users can type questions or requests and get AI-driven responses right on the page.

How NLWeb Works

With just a few lines of code, website owners can connect their site’s content, select an AI model of their choice, and create a chatbot tailored to their audience. For example, a clothing store could build a bot to help customers pick outfits, or a cooking site could suggest recipes based on ingredients.

Integration with AI Platforms

Websites built with NLWeb can make their content discoverable to AI platforms that support the MCP standard (from Anthropic). This helps AI systems better access and understand the data behind the chatbot, enabling smarter and more relevant responses.

The Vision Behind NLWeb

Microsoft sees NLWeb as a foundational technology for what they call the “agentic web” — a future where users interact directly and meaningfully with web content through intelligent agents, much like how HTML opened up interactive web pages decades ago.

Origins and Development

NLWeb may have roots in OpenAI’s technology and collaborations with major brands. Originally pitched as a way to bring ChatGPT-like conversations to websites, it faced technical challenges but is now ready for broader use, marking a significant step forward in AI integration on the web.

Reference;

1. https://techcrunch.com/2025/05/19/nlweb-is-microsofts-project-to-bring-more-chatbots-to-webpages/

Cite this article:

Priyadharshini S (2025), Microsoft's NLWeb Project Aims to Integrate More Chatbots into Websites, AnaTechMaz, pp. 251