Microsoft Edge is undergoing a transformation aimed at streamlining the user experience, with the company announcing the phased removal of its Sidebar feature. This decision, while not entirely unexpected, has sparked discussions among users who appreciated the unique functionalities that the Sidebar provided. According to a recent support document, Microsoft has confirmed that the Sidebar will be retired, starting with users of Microsoft accounts (MSA), although a specific timeline for this change has yet to be disclosed.
The move to simplify Edge has been hinted at for some time, particularly since a deprecation message was noted in the Canary version back in November 2025. Microsoft’s updated communication reinforces the notion that the company is actively working to declutter the browser, a strategy that has not been officially acknowledged until now.
Users are not happy with Microsoft Edge’s Sidebar removal
While the intention behind decluttering Edge may be commendable, the removal of the Sidebar has left many users perplexed. The Sidebar was a distinctive feature that set Edge apart from other Chromium-based browsers, allowing users to integrate their favorite web apps into a convenient mini-app format. Many users have expressed their dissatisfaction, indicating that they may reconsider their loyalty to Edge if the Sidebar is completely eliminated.
For instance, the Sidebar enabled users to access essential applications like Outlook and Bing alongside their browsing activities, enhancing the overall experience. The ability to have these apps readily available made Edge not just functional but enjoyable. Currently, while the Sidebar remains operational, users can no longer add new apps, and the gradual removal of the quick access list is imminent. Microsoft has reassured users that the Copilot feature, which also operates within the Sidebar, will remain unaffected by these changes.
As it stands, the Sidebar will continue to display Bing and previously added mini-apps, but the convenience of accessing Outlook and other applications directly from the Sidebar will soon be a thing of the past. Users will need to switch tabs to access these apps, a shift that may detract from the seamless browsing experience that many have come to appreciate.
Satya Nadella has confirmed Microsoft Edge is not being ignored
In a recent Q3 earnings call, CEO Satya Nadella emphasized Microsoft’s commitment to enhancing user engagement across its platforms, including Edge. He articulated the company’s dedication to winning back Windows enthusiasts, stating, “when it comes to our consumer business, we are doing the foundational work required to win back fans and strengthen engagement across Windows, Xbox, Bing, and Edge.”
Nadella also highlighted the positive trajectory of Edge, noting that it has gained market share for 20 consecutive quarters, although specifics regarding user preferences compared to competitors like Google Chrome and Firefox were not disclosed. The juxtaposition of Microsoft’s focus on improving Edge while simultaneously removing features like the Sidebar raises questions about the direction the company is taking with its browser.
As Microsoft navigates these changes, the community remains engaged in discussions about the future of Edge and the impact of these modifications on user experience. The decision to remove the Sidebar may be seen as a step towards simplification, but it also challenges the loyalty of users who valued the unique features that distinguished Edge in a crowded market.
