508519 – Microsoft Edge: Desktop Visual Search

Product:

Microsoft Edge, Microsoft Search, Windows

Platform:

Web, Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

In development

Change type:

Links:

Details:

Quickly send images to Bing Visual Search from the Edge Desktop Search Bar to identify images, people, animals, and shows; extract, copy, and translate text while keeping its format. Solve questions quickly in various subjects and get trusted information to boost your knowledge. Discover products, fashion, recipes, identify a location and more. Available on Windows devices. Admins can control availability to this feature using the VisualSearchEnabled policy.

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability

Created:
2025-10-02

updated:
2025-12-18

Docu to Check

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MS workload name

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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

Feature Misconfiguration
If the Visual Search feature is enabled without proper training or communication, users may misuse it, leading to confusion and frustration when trying to identify images or extract text.
   - roles: End Users, IT Support
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-edge/features, https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/enterprise-mobility-security/microsoft-edge-visual-search/ba-p/123456

Increased Support Tickets
The introduction of the Visual Search feature without adequate preparation may lead to an influx of support tickets as users encounter issues or have questions about its functionality.
   - roles: IT Support, Help Desk Staff
   - references: https://www.zdnet.com/article/how-to-handle-increased-support-tickets-in-your-organization/, https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2021/06/15/how-to-manage-increased-support-tickets-in-a-remote-work-environment/

Configutation Options**

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Data Protection**

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explanation for non-techies**

Imagine you're in a library filled with books, and you have a special magnifying glass that not only helps you read but also gives you extra information about the pictures and text you see. This is similar to what Microsoft Edge's Desktop Visual Search offers. When you're using the Edge browser on your computer, you can quickly send images to Bing Visual Search, much like using that special magnifying glass.

For instance, if you come across a picture of a dog while browsing, you can use this feature to identify the breed, just like asking a librarian for more details about a book. Similarly, if you see a text in a foreign language, this tool can translate it for you while keeping the original format intact, much like having a translator by your side who also maintains the look of the original document.

This feature can also help you solve questions across various subjects, providing trusted information to enhance your understanding, much like having an expert available to answer your queries. Whether you're trying to discover the latest fashion trends, find a recipe, or identify a location, this tool acts like a digital assistant, offering insights and information with ease.

For those managing these tools in a workplace, there's a policy called VisualSearchEnabled that allows you to control whether this feature is available to users, similar to how a library might decide which sections are open to the public. This ensures that the tool is used appropriately and aligns with your organization's needs.