You probably never really thought about the Windows Photos app before, as it’s simply just a simple tool to browse and view your images.
But with a recent update in Windows 11, it’s gotten an upgrade that might catch your attention: Visual Search powered by Bing.
Ok, even then it probably hasn’t quite grabbed your attention yet. But let me elaborate.
What Exactly Is Visual Search?
Visual Search is a tool that allows you to perform a reverse image search.
Instead of uploading your image to a reverse image search online (which is currently dominated by Google) you can access the same type of tool right from Windows Photos. At the click of a button, Bing scours the internet for related pictures, sources, and content. This process helps you find more information about the image or locate its original source in the most convenient and fastest way possible.
How to Use It
This new feature is integrated directly into the Windows 11 Photos app, making it extremely user-friendly.
To start using it, simply open a picture, click the 3 dots in the menu bar, then click ‘Visual search with Bing.’
The app will connect to Bing’s image search engine and display a list of similar images, relevant websites, and detailed information right from the Photos interface.

Why Law Firms Should Care
No matter the size of your law firm, especially if you handle IP cases, family law, or litigation, this tool isn’t just a neat trick—it can be a game-changer. Here’s why:
- Verifying Evidence Authenticity: Let’s say you’re examining images submitted as evidence. A reverse search can help identify if the photo has been manipulated or appears on other sites, providing crucial context.
- Tracking Down Image Sources: Need to confirm where an image originated? Visual Search can pinpoint original sources, which is useful for vetting social media posts or websites.
- Copyright and IP Protection: If your firm handles intellectual property cases, use this tool to check for unauthorized use of client-owned photos. Quickly identify whether images have been reproduced elsewhere without permission.
- Enhanced Due Diligence: Visual Search can assist with background research, helping to uncover additional instances of an image’s use across various platforms, aiding in building a more comprehensive case.
Easy, Effective, and Efficient
This new addition to Windows 11 is about simplifying tasks that would otherwise require multiple tools or external software. Instead of jumping between apps or websites, Visual Search in the Photos app makes reverse image search a built-in function. It’s a small feature with a big impact on productivity and accuracy—something every law firm can appreciate.
So, next time a client shares an image, don’t let it be just another attachment. Leverage this tool to dig deeper, verify, and add another layer of confidence to your research.