How to Enable or Disable Visual Search in Microsoft Edge

Why Use Visual Search?

Visual Search helps uncover online content related to images encountered while browsing. Finding similar products, learning details about a photograph, or exploring related topics becomes much faster with this tool enabled.

Method 1Turn Visual Search On or Off Using Browser Settings

Controlling this feature takes a few clicks inside the browser settings. Opening Edge, selecting the three dots in the top corner, and navigating to Settings reveals the necessary controls.

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: A toggle switch labeled Show hover menu on image hover appears here.

Flip the toggle switch to the blue 'On' position to activate the feature. Moving the toggle back to the left turns it gray and stops the browser from analyzing pictures for searches.

Step 7: Changes apply immediately. Closing and reopening Microsoft Edge confirms proper operation.

Method 2Turn Visual Search On or Off Using Windows Registry

Controlling Microsoft Edge Visual Search via the Windows Registry (a central database for system and application settings) offers an alternative configuration method. Administrator permissions are required for this approach. Opening the Registry Editor allows direct modification of the value controlling the visual search function.

What You'll Need: Access to the Windows Registry Editor. Proceed with this method only when comfortable working with system registries.

Step 1: Open the Windows Registry. Typing regedit into the Windows search bar and pressing Enter launches the tool.

Step 2: Navigate to this folder path:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge

Step 3: If the designated subkey is missing, right-click the parent key, select New, and then Key to create it. Name the new key Edge.

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

Step 5: Type the name: VisualSearchEnabled

Step 6: Double-click the newly created VisualSearchEnabled item.

Step 7: Confirm the Base is set to Decimal. Modify the Value data field accordingly:

To turn Visual Search ON: Type 1

To turn Visual Search OFF: Type 0

Step 8: Click OK to save the modification.

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

Summary

Microsoft Edge Visual Search enables deeper exploration of web images. Enabling or disabling the feature happens through the Appearance section of browser settings via the hover menu toggle. Experienced users can also modify the VisualSearchEnabled value inside 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 configuration methods achieve identical results. Selecting a preferred approach depends on individual comfort levels. Modifications take effect immediately or following a system reboot, relying on the chosen configuration path.