If you use Microsoft Edge regularly, chances are you’ve relied on its Picture-in-Picture (PiP) feature at some point. This feature allows you to pop out a video into a small floating window so you can keep it on-screen while multitasking. It’s one of the most convenient modern browser tools, especially if you work on multiple tabs or documents and still want to follow along with content in a smaller window.
However, recently many users have noticed a strange white overlay bug appearing when hovering over the PiP window. The video itself still plays, and the controls technically work, but the overlay is distracting and makes the experience feel broken.
In this guide, we’ll go step by step to:
- Understand what this bug is and why it appears.
- Walk through a temporary fix using a command-line flag.
- Explain how to reverse the changes if needed.
- Discuss the likelihood of Microsoft releasing an official fix soon.
Let’s dive in and fix this PiP annoyance.
1. What Is Picture-in-Picture in Microsoft Edge?
Before addressing the bug, it’s worth revisiting what PiP is and why so many users depend on it.
- Definition: Picture-in-Picture allows you to pop out a playing video into a small, resizable window that stays above other applications.
- Use Cases:
- Watching tutorials while coding.
- Keeping an eye on a live stream while browsing.
- Following online meetings while working on a document.
Edge, like Chrome and other Chromium-based browsers, natively supports PiP. It’s part of what makes modern browsing productive and flexible.
2. The White Overlay Bug Explained
Here’s the issue:
- When you hover over the PiP window, instead of clean, transparent controls, a white overlay appears.
- The overlay does not block functionality — buttons still work.
- But it looks broken, interrupts focus, and is not how PiP is intended to behave.
This bug seems to be widespread, affecting many Edge users globally, and it only recently began appearing after certain browser updates.
3. Possible Cause: UI Redesign Leftover Code
Although Microsoft has not provided an official explanation yet, early indications suggest the issue could be related to:
- Leftover experimental UI code from Edge’s redesign testing.
- A mismatch in how hover states are rendered in the PiP overlay layer.
- Incomplete rollout of new visual changes.
In simple terms: the bug is likely unintentional and tied to half-finished UI updates.
4. The Workaround: Fixing the Bug with a Command-Line Flag
Since Microsoft hasn’t rolled out an official fix yet, the community has discovered a command-line flag that disables the problematic overlay behavior.
![How to Enable and Sync Data on Microsoft Edge Browser [Tutorial – 2025]](https://dtptips.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/image-526-300x175.png)
By editing the shortcut used to launch Microsoft Edge, you can append this flag so that PiP works as intended without the white hover overlay.
This is not a permanent fix — only a temporary workaround — but it’s effective for now.
5. Step-by-Step Guide to Applying the Fix
Now let’s carefully walk through the solution.
Step 1: Locate Your Microsoft Edge Shortcut
- On Windows desktop, look for the Microsoft Edge icon you normally click to launch the browser.
- If you don’t have one on the desktop, you can create a shortcut:
- Navigate to Edge in the Start Menu.
- Right-click → More → Open file location.
- Copy the shortcut to your desktop.
Step 2: Open Properties
- Right-click on the Edge shortcut.
- Select Properties.
- A dialog box will appear.
Step 3: Add the Command-Line Flag
- In the Target field, you’ll see the existing path, for example:
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application\msedge.exe" - Click to the end of this line.
- Add a space (important — without this, the command will fail).
- Then type or paste the required flag:
--disable-features=OverlayScrollbar,OverlayScrollbarFlashAfterAnyScrollUpdate,OverlayScrollbarFlashWhenMouseEnter
So it should look like this:
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application\msedge.exe" --disable-features=OverlayScrollbar,OverlayScrollbarFlashAfterAnyScrollUpdate,OverlayScrollbarFlashWhenMouseEnter
Step 4: Apply and Save
- Click Apply, then OK.
- Close the dialog box.
Step 5: Restart Microsoft Edge
- Fully close Edge (ensure no background processes are running).
- Launch Edge again using the modified shortcut.
Step 6: Test Picture-in-Picture
- Open any video source that supports PiP.
- Activate PiP mode.
- Hover over the window — the white overlay should now be gone.
At this point, PiP should behave normally.
6. How to Reverse the Changes if Needed
If you want to undo this workaround later, the process is simple:
- Go back to the Edge shortcut.
- Right-click → Properties.
- In the Target field, delete the flag you added (everything after the space).
- Save changes by clicking Apply and OK.
- Restart Edge.
Edge will now run as before, with the white overlay bug returning until Microsoft officially fixes it.
7. Is This Safe? Understanding the Risks of Command-Line Flags
Users often wonder whether adding flags to a shortcut is safe.
- Yes, this flag is safe. It only disables specific overlay scrollbar features related to UI testing.
- It does not affect browsing security, personal data, or performance in any harmful way.
- That said, be careful when using other flags you may find online. Some can impact stability or privacy.
As always, use only trusted sources for such tweaks.
8. When Will Microsoft Release an Official Fix?
Since the bug is widespread and has been reported by many users, Microsoft is likely already aware of it.
- Usually, such UI-level bugs are patched within a few weeks in either stable updates or cumulative patches.
- Keep an eye on the Microsoft Edge release notes:
👉 Microsoft Edge Release Notes
Until then, this workaround will serve you well.
9. FAQs
Q1. Does this bug affect all Edge users?
Not all, but many users on the latest stable builds of Edge are experiencing it.
Q2. Is the overlay purely cosmetic?
Yes, controls still work — but it’s distracting.
Q3. Do I need to repeat the process for every shortcut?
Yes. If you have multiple Edge shortcuts (desktop, taskbar, Start Menu), you’ll need to edit each one separately.
Q4. Will the flag slow down my browser?
No, the flag only disables some visual overlay features. Performance impact is negligible.
Q5. Should I wait for Microsoft’s update instead?
If the bug doesn’t bother you much, you can wait. If it disrupts your workflow, applying the fix is worthwhile.
10. Final Thoughts
The white overlay bug in Microsoft Edge’s Picture-in-Picture mode is a frustrating issue, especially for those who rely on PiP for multitasking.
Thankfully, even though Microsoft hasn’t provided an official fix yet, the command-line flag workaround restores normal PiP functionality quickly.
- For most users, applying this fix will make PiP usable again.
- For those hesitant, waiting for Microsoft’s upcoming patch is also a valid option.
Either way, it’s encouraging to know there’s a solution available until the developers officially address the bug.
⚠️ Disclaimer
This guide explains a temporary workaround for a known Microsoft Edge issue. Use it at your own discretion. Editing shortcuts with command-line flags is safe when done correctly, but always double-check changes before applying.
Tags
microsoft edge, edge pip bug, picture in picture overlay fix, edge command line flags, edge browser issues, microsoft edge troubleshooting
Hashtags
#MicrosoftEdge #PictureInPicture #EdgeBug #TechFix #BrowserTips #Windows11
