Microsoft Edge Expanding as a Versatile Photo Gallery: EdgePhoto Feature Unveiled

Microsoft is actively expanding the capabilities of its web browser, Edge, aiming to transform it into a sophisticated gallery rather than just a mere alternative to Google Chrome. After three years since its launch, Edge has evolved into a comprehensive browser offering a wide range of diverse features.

Undeterred, Microsoft continues to work on introducing new functionalities to enhance the browsing experience. Testers have recently discovered a hidden feature in the Canary Version 116.0.1934.0 of Edge, referred to as “EdgePhoto.” Although the initial implementation of this feature is still in its early stages and highly unstable, it provides a glimpse into Microsoft’s ongoing experiments. By activating the feature using a command line argument, users can experience Edge as a gallery for viewing photos.

To test this feature, follow these steps:

1. Update Microsoft Edge Canary to version 116.0.1934.0 or a later release.
2. Right-click on the browser icon and select “Properties.”
3. In the “Target” field, add a space after the existing text and type “–enable-features=msEdgePhoto.”
4. Save the changes and open the browser using the modified shortcut.
5. Drag an image into the browser to open it. You’ll notice that the browser will automatically locate other images from the same folder, resembling the functionality of the Windows Photos application. Additionally, there’s a pop-out button enabling users to view images in a dedicated window, free from the browser interface.

While Microsoft has yet to officially announce this feature, its purpose remains somewhat uncertain, especially considering the built-in Photo Galleries available on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Furthermore, it’s important to note that changes made to the Canary version may not necessarily make their way into stable releases.