Turn Off Tab Previews in Microsoft Edge - Simple Guide

Enhancing Microsoft Edge: Disabling Tab Previews

With the addition of extension support, Microsoft Edge is rapidly establishing itself as a competitive web browser. A particular feature that elicits strong opinions – either positive or negative – is the pop-up preview displayed upon hovering over a tab.

Currently, Microsoft Edge lacks a native setting to directly disable these tab previews. However, the functionality can be altered through a straightforward modification to the Windows Registry.

How to Disable Tab Previews via Registry Editor

The process involves adjusting a specific Registry key. This method effectively bypasses the absence of an in-browser toggle for this feature.

Important Note: Modifying the Windows Registry can be risky if not performed correctly. It is highly recommended to create a system restore point before proceeding.

• Open the Registry Editor by pressing Windows Key + R, typing "regedit," and pressing Enter.
• Navigate to the following key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Edge\TabPreviews
• If the TabPreviews key doesn't exist, you'll need to create it. Right-click on the Edge key, select New > Key, and name it TabPreviews.
• Within the TabPreviews key, create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value. Right-click in the right pane, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it Disabled.
• Double-click the Disabled value and set its Value data to 1.
• Close the Registry Editor and restart Microsoft Edge for the changes to take effect.

By setting the Disabled value to 1, tab previews will no longer appear when hovering over tabs within the Microsoft Edge browser.

Related: 11 Tips and Tricks for Microsoft Edge on Windows 10

Disabling Tab Previews in Edge Through Registry Modification

To deactivate the tab preview feature within the Microsoft Edge browser, a modification to a specific setting in the Windows Registry is required.

Further Reading: A Guide to Backing Up and Restoring the Windows Registry

Important Note: The Registry Editor is a potent system tool, and incorrect usage can lead to system instability or failure. This particular adjustment is relatively straightforward, and adherence to the provided instructions should prevent issues. However, if you are unfamiliar with the Registry Editor, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with its operation before proceeding. Always create a Registry backup (and a system backup!) prior to implementing any changes.

Initiate the Registry Editor by pressing the Start button and typing “regedit.” Confirm with Enter to launch the Registry Editor and grant it the necessary permissions to modify your computer’s settings.

Within the Registry Editor, utilize the left-hand navigation pane to locate the following registry key:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\AppContainer\Storage\microsoft.microsoftedge_8wekyb3d8bbwe\MicrosoftEdge\TabbedBrowsing

A new value must now be created within the TabbedBrowsing key. Right-click on the TabbedBrowsing folder, then select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value. Assign the name TabPeekEnabled to this new value, and subsequently double-click it to access its properties.

Within the value’s properties window, input 0 into the "Value data" field and confirm with a click on OK.

The tab preview functionality in Microsoft Edge should now be disabled. If the browser was running during this process, a complete exit and restart of Edge will be necessary for the changes to take effect. To re-enable tab previews at any point, simply navigate back to the TabbedBrowsing key and set the TabPeekEnabled value to 1.

Disable Edge Tab Previews with a Simple Download

For users who prefer not to manually edit the Windows Registry, pre-configured registry hacks have been developed for convenience. These hacks directly modify the TabPeekEnabled value. Setting this value to 0 disables tab previews in Microsoft Edge.

Available Registry Hacks

• Turn Off Tab Previews in Edge: This hack creates the TabPeekEnabled value and assigns it a value of 0.
• Turn On Tab Previews in Edge (Default): This hack sets the TabPeekEnabled value back to 1, restoring the default behavior.

Both of these hacks are packaged within a downloadable ZIP file. To apply a hack, simply double-click the desired file and follow the on-screen instructions.

The changes implemented by the hack will be applied instantly. If Microsoft Edge was running during the application of the hack, a restart of the browser will be necessary to observe the effects.

These hacks essentially encapsulate the process of modifying the TabPeekEnabled value within the TabbedBrowsing key, as previously discussed. They export this specific value to a .REG file for easy application.

Creating Your Own Registry Hacks

Understanding how these hacks function can empower you to create your own custom Registry modifications. Learning to craft your own .REG files allows for greater control over your system settings.

Whether you find tab previews helpful or distracting, controlling their visibility in Microsoft Edge is straightforward. A minor adjustment to the Registry, or the use of our one-click hacks, provides a quick and easy solution.