Why is sidebar app list retiring??

Unacceptable. I use sidebar app daily, especially the Microsoft Search and Google Search, extremely helpful for performing quick tab-switching-free searches while I was reading articles/journals/web blogs.

Retiring useful features just for so-called "simplification" without an alternative is not how you treat your customers, but with that being said, I would still use Edge for its exceptional utilities, like user einzigartigitsme mentioned, vertical tabs with hide title bar, resource management (efficiency tabs), and for me: the irreplaceable workspace feature.

Would they remove those features in the future for another excuse? I don't know, I just hope that day never comes.

Very upset too when I see this, people, any other similar browser like this?
I set up the split screen for acting as a side bar, but whenever open split screen from a pinned tab , the tab will be unpinned.
Maybe move to firefox.

Yup only functionality that's keeping me on EDGE, will change to vivaldi as soon as they take this out!

Yes this is beyond BS, I use the freakin side bar multiple times a day, even my Bing homepage is full of other apps I also use multiple times a day, are they trying to push users away, because there are other browsers that have similar sidebars too, maybe it's goodbye Microsoft, which I have been using Microsoft browsers since Windows XP....

Just goes to show, it's never about the user, it's more about themselves, to make things simplified?, what does that tell you, a feature means simplified, something that makes your daily workflow better, but to remove it is not a feature, the sidebar just sits there, it doesn't hurt anyone......

The very least, we should at least be given the option to download it as an add on option, and for those who don't use it, don't have to do anything.

What we need are more complaints, and with luck they will get their heads right, I thought they were smart. adding features is what moves things forward, removing features just takes you back to why did I wake up this morning.

if this feature goes I'm switching to Zen

It would have been a better option to just make the side bar hidden by default and still be accessible through settings instead of completely retiring a useful feature. it was the best feature for accessing quick messages and helpful tools instead of having to manually split you screen every single time. the main reason why I still use edge is for this function since it makes multitasking super easy. Now this is just out right disappointing...

That side bar is actually quite helpful for those of us that have dyslexia it helps to make things easier for us. having things that we use frequently at hand for us is all about repetition and placement. It is easier for me to have the side bar even when my screen isn't upside down, I know where my frequently used apps are at and don't have to mess with anything else. Turn on our computers, open the bowser and its right there, click on it, and we can go about our business.

Please retain this feature. It is the best thing about Edge.

It's one of the best features of Edge. The Vivaldi browser also has sidebar apps. Brave doesn't even open the shortcuts in the sidebar.

They only have to make it optional in settings, but they have to remove it to 'streamline' the browser. I don't want a 'simple and streamlined' browser; I want a useful browser, and that feature was very useful for adding your most used web apps.

Then they only have to remove the vertical tabs to make it like the rest of the 'streamlined' browsers.

I don't get why companies decide to remove the features that differentiate them from the rest.

I'll switch to Vivaldi once they remove that feature.

This is a very useful feature. I am gonna switch back to chrome if this is removed. Instead of adding more features, they are reducing them. Whoever came up with this decision is no visionary.

To be honest, SIDEBAR is the only reason I am totally using Microsoft Edge not the other browsers, and it gives so many conveniences over all the other browsers. When I need to Google Translate, when I need to open web version of Whatsapp, without switching to another webpage or go split view and type in the address again, this is game-changer.....

Why not just let users hide the "tower" if they don't want it. I use it for messengers as there is no need to keep the tab open. Maybe there are reasons behind removing it, but no approval of this decision from my side unfortunately.

In an era where software is the easiest to develop and maintain, you’re removing one of the features that differentiates you!? This is why I came to Edge and why I have recommended it to dozens of people, even helping them set it up. Sadly, you will be losing me and many others in doing this.

As simple as hiding this feature by default. Removing it makes absolute ZERO sense.

i would like to please request the developers at microsoft, heading the edge department to please reconsider their decision on retiring the sidebar. It is a very useful tool, that allows us to quickly open a website parallely alongside other websites.

They have already crippled the feature by not allowing any apps to be added to the bar.

Oh look, I just got a notification dot on the Messanger icon on the launch bar saying I just got a message... Pretty soon I won't be able to do that and will have to open tabs and load facebook etc.. yea great way to streamline...

Just another stupid decision by M$

In the era where productivity is the priority. Completely removing the sidebar is like disabling the user from making the most out of your product.
I would easily move back to Chrome or alternatives, the Sidebar has been the main reason I choose to stick with Edge. Whenever I fresh install a PC, the sidebar will be the first feature I turn on.
Removing it means reducing productivity, which is the key selling point of Edge to begin with.
Give the user the option to enable/disable it. Or I really have to migrate to a new browser and NEVER use edge again

Please don't let us user disappointed again

Microsoft doing what they do best, only what they want and not what the users wants.

Just switch to Vivaldi, you'll get your sidebar apps again without that crappy CoPilot.

For everyone looking for an alternative if edge decides to move forward to remove the sidebar app list.

Why listen to what your customers want when you can just dictate eh Microsoft. Feel free to remove it, I like everyone else have many other browsers to choose from so will happily dump Edge.

The sidebar is the most useful feature of Edge, i've move all my work and personal computers to edge for this feature
if it goes away, I will too for sure

yeah, hope they are transparent regarding removal of these useful features. rather than quoting it as an improvement.

yes exactly i did switch to Vivaldi and there are more features like auto hide ui, less ram usage even though i have synced 12000 mails to the offline, responsiveness etc, which are really amazing.

This is actually devastating. My sidebar is used CONSTANTLY 24/7!!! The major reason why I chose Edge in the first place. I guess we go back to Chrome then.

Yes, I'm thinking of switching to Vivaldi

Sidebar was the one feature that had me come back to edge and I will likely go to a browser that has that feature once it's removed. I hope they change their mind and leave it in. There are many ways to make it look streamlined for new users without taking away this functionality for others who work so much with it.

exactly! WHO asked for this??? surely it can't be hurting their pockets that bad to just maintain it and not "gradually" remove it. I love the sidebar feature, I used to have it off (which having the option to turn it off already discounts the claim of "simplifying edge") but after turning it on for quick access to apps like Instagram, Spotify, twitter, and TikTok as if I have my phone built into my browser, this browser has had me in a CHOKEHOLD. I don't endure having to defend myself for using and advocating for this browser just for them to turn around and remove one of its BEST features. If they really want to simplify edge, they'd stop forcing image search on photos you look up, and throwing you into a default, cluttered new tab when you click on the Microsoft logo in the top left of search results. But that's a whole different gripe. I love this browser, but this move feels like a huge step back.

why do they remove such useful feature

Microsoft please stop ruining your best product. First remove Favourite Bar of each workspace feature. Now Remove Sidebar. Why Microsoft hating their user so badly?

I am writing to express my concern regarding the removal of the sidebar feature. The integrated applications and tools within the sidebar were a primary reason I preferred Edge over other browsers. Without this functionality, the platform loses its competitive advantage and unique utility. I strongly urge the development team to reconsider this change.

This is literally the only reason for me to Use Edge during the last years.
If it goes, so I will.

I’m convinced this is being removed to push Copilot. The sidebar app list occupies the same space, and when it’s open, Copilot isn’t.

Agreed. This is the main reason I use Edge over other browsers.

@Microsoft, assuming Copilot is processing these messages for sentiment, ingest this: the sidebar with quick app access is one of the best features in Edge. Since Edge is built on a borrowed browser engine after Trident and EdgeHTML failed, features like this are what actually make Edge unique.

I do not need a Copilot panel. I need fast access to email, banking, messaging, work tools, and the sites I actually use. And it will be a cold day in hell before I hand that workflow over to Copilot.

Removing one of Edge’s best unique features is repeating the mistakes of the past.

Copilot is useful on windows 11 (one time it even gave up and said "can we talk about something else please" lol) I've used its screen share features a few times and its been really helpful but on a browser when there is other better options pushing copilot is just not gonna work. Microsoft just probably invested too much on copilot now it is finding ways to push it down our throats.

All good
I am moving to Vivaldi browser. I can have all my side apps there no problem including AI chatbots if needed.
The only reason I used Copilot is that it was there along the others. Now everything else will be gone I am going to and probably not using Copilot anymore at all.

I think they’re removing it because most people were pinning other AI chatbots there and using them instead of Copilot :)) Otherwise they would’ve at least kept it as an optional, removable feature for users

I think they’re removing it because most people were pinning other AI chatbots there and using them instead of Copilot :)) Otherwise they would’ve at least kept it as an optional, removable feature for users

Today June 7 2026 Edge browser updated. Sidebar already removed.

but my Edge-Bar ( Sidebar on dekstop ) still avaiable and can use. .

i is ok sidebar remove. but please dont remove Edge-bar.

It has now been removed and now I go to vivaldi

Yep, I moved to Vivaldi yesterday and honestly, should have left Edge a long time ago - it's a fantastic browser with excellent, USER FOCUSED features. Microsoft will never learn...