How to Enable or Disable Visual Search in Microsoft Edge

Why Use Visual Search?

Visual Search helps you discover more content online related to images you see while browsing. It’s handy when you want to find similar products, learn more about a picture, or explore related topics.

Method 1Turn Visual Search On or Off Using Browser Settings

You can turn Microsoft Edge Visual Search on or off within the browser’s settings menu. This is the most accessible method for most users to control the feature. Open Edge, click the three dots in the top corner, and navigate to Settings to find the option.

Step 1: Open Microsoft Edge. Microsoft Edge browser

Step 2: Click the Settings and more button. This is the icon with 3 horizontal dots in the top right corner. Alternatively, press Alt+F on your keyboard.

Step 3: Select Settings from the menu that appears.

Step 4: Click Appearance on the left side panel.

Step 5: Locate the Hover menu section under 🖱️ Context menu. Click on it to expand the options.

Step 6: You’ll find a toggle switch labeled Show hover menu on image hover.

To enable Visual Search, click the Visual Search toggle until it moves to the right and turns blue. This activates the feature, letting you search using images. To disable it, click the toggle until it moves left and turns gray. This stops the feature from analyzing images for search.

Step 7: Your changes apply immediately. Close and reopen Microsoft Edge to confirm everything is working correctly.

Method 2Turn Visual Search On or Off Using Windows Registry

Controlling Microsoft Edge Visual Search via the Windows Registry is an alternative method. This approach requires administrator access and is best if you’re comfortable editing system settings. It involves opening the Registry Editor and making specific changes to a value that controls the visual search feature.

What You’ll Need: Access to the Windows Registry Editor. Only use this method if you’re comfortable working with the registry.

Step 2: Navigate to this folder path:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge

Step 3: If you don’t see an Edge folder, 🖱️ right-click on the Microsoft folder. Select New and then Key. Name it Edge.

Step 4: Right-click inside the Edge folder’s right pane. Select New and then DWORD (32-bit) Value.

Step 5: Type the name: VisualSearchEnabled

Step 7: Make sure the Base is set to Decimal. Then change the Value data:

To turn Visual Search ON: Type 1

To turn Visual Search OFF: Type 0

Step 8: Click OK to save your change.

Step 9: Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Summary

Microsoft Edge Visual Search allows you to learn more about images found online, and you can enable or disable this feature with ease. The most accessible way is through the browser settings under Appearance, where you can toggle the hover menu option. For those more experienced, you can also adjust the VisualSearchEnabled value within the Windows Registry.

• Using Browser Settings: ⚙️ Go to Settings, click Appearance, find Hover menu, and toggle the switch. This is the easiest method for most users.
• Using Windows Registry: Edit the registry to change the VisualSearchEnabled value to 1 (on) or 0 (off). This method requires administrator access and is best for advanced users or IT professionals.

Both methods achieve the same result. Pick the one that feels most comfortable for you. Your changes take effect either right away or after restarting your computer, depending on which method you use.