Edge Web Select is Missing: How to Get it Back

A replacement to the tool might be in the works

Browsers » Edge

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by Flavius Floare 

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Key notes

  • Web Select is no longer available in Edge as a part of the user experience optimization process.
  • However, there might be a way to enable it by adding launch parameters to the Edge shortcut.
microsoft edge web select

Edge Web Select was one of Edge browser’s more unique features, but it seems that Microsoft has removed it entirely.

Many users aren’t pleased with this change, and in this guide, we will show you a method you can use to get this feature back.

What is Web Select on Edge?

  • This was a Microsoft Edge feature that allowed users to capture a segment of a web page.
  • The captured segment would still function, and users could interact with it.
  • Users could access pictures or copy text directly from the captured segment by doing so.

Why is Web Select not showing in Edge?

Microsoft is constantly improving Edge, and to do that, certain features have to be removed. According to the developers, the feature is deprecated, and it has been removed to improve user experience.

How can I get Edge Web Select back?

Add launch parameters to Microsoft Edge

  1. Close your Edge, then right-click on your Edge browser icon and select Properties.
  2. At the end of the Target option, add the following: --enable-features=msEdgeAreaSelect
  3. Click on Apply, and then restart your Edge. See if Web Select is enabled. You can do so by opening the Setting panel or clicking the Copy+Shift+X shortcut.

If this works, then Web Select might be around for a bit, but don’t get your hopes up. However, given just how valuable this tool is, Microsoft will probably come with a replacement soon.

In case you’re an Edge user, check our guides on how to use Microsoft Edge Collections and how to add Web captures to your Edge Collections.

Have you found a replacement for Edge Web Select? If so, let us know in the comments below!

More about the topics: Edge, microsoft edge browser

Flavius Floare

Flavius Floare Shield

Tech Journalist

Flavius is a writer and a media content producer with a particular interest in technology, gaming, media, film and storytelling. He's always curious and ready to take on everything new in the tech world, covering Microsoft's products on a daily basis. The passion for gaming and hardware feeds his journalistic approach, making him a great researcher and news writer that's always ready to bring you the bleeding edge!