Microsoft Edge is removing its Sidebar to cut clutter while leaving the ever-controversial Copilot untouched

windowscentral.com May 6, 2026

Microsoft Edge is removing its Sidebar to cut clutter while leaving the ever-controversial Copilot untouched

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · May 6, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Microsoft Edge is removing its Sidebar feature to reduce clutter, despite a petition and user complaints. The Sidebar will still exist but won't allow app additions, and a future update will remove existing apps. The core experience provided by the Sidebar is being retired, leaving only a shortcut to Copilot. This change is part of Microsoft's effort to simplify Edge, with the retirement date unspecified.

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