---
title: "Knowledge Base Search Modes: Agentic vs Classic | Hostman Docs"
description: "Learn the difference between agentic and classic knowledge base search modes for AI agents, and how to switch between them in your agent settings."
---

> For the complete documentation index for AI agents, see [llms.txt](https://hostman.com/llms.txt).

When you [connect a knowledge base to an agent](https://hostman.com/docs/ai-agents/manage-agents/connect-knowledge-base/), you can choose how it searches that base: in agentic or classic mode.

## Classic Mode

Classic mode runs a semantic search against the knowledge base before every query and adds only the retrieved fragments to the model's context.

For example, when a customer asks about the return policy, the model answers based on the company's policy document that's already been retrieved, without making any additional requests.

## Agentic Mode

Agentic mode gives the model tools to search the knowledge base on its own, so it can run additional searches whenever it needs more information. In this mode, the model can refine the query, run multiple searches in a row, and pull the answer together from different parts of the knowledge base.

This mode produces noticeably better answers, especially for complex queries, but searches can take more time and resources.

## Changing the Search Mode

You can change the search mode at any point in the agent settings:

1.  Go to **AI Services** → **Agents** and click on the required agent.
    
2.  On the **Management** tab, click **Modify** in the knowledge base block.
    
3.  Select the search mode you want.
    
4.  Save your changes.
    

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