Microsoft Edge is the default web browser in Windows 11. You can switch to a different browser anytime if you prefer. Edge is built on Chromium, which is the same technology that powers Google Chrome and many other modern browsers.
Edge has a useful sidebar on the right side of the window. This sidebar includes icons for Search, Discover, Tools, Internet Speed Test, Games, and Microsoft Office. These give you quick access to helpful features.
Why use the sidebar? The sidebar saves you time by keeping useful tools just one click away.
What happens when you hide it? Your browsing area becomes wider, giving you more space to view web pages.
How to Hide the Sidebar Using the Button
If the sidebar is visible, look for a small button at the top of the sidebar. Click this button to hide it quickly.
How to Show or Hide the Sidebar in Edge Settings
If you can’t see the sidebar or want to turn it back on, you can control it through Edge settings.
- Open Microsoft Edge.
- Click the three dots menu button (Settings and More) in the top right corner. Or use the keyboard shortcut
Alt + F. - Select Settings from the menu.
- On the left side, click Appearance.
- Look for the Customize toolbar section.
- Find the toggle switch labeled Show sidebar.
- Turn the toggle On to display the sidebar. Turn it Off to hide it.
How to Show or Hide the Sidebar Using the Registry
Note: The next method requires admin privileges.
If you want more control, you can change the sidebar setting directly in Windows Registry.
- Open the Windows Registry on your computer.
- Navigate to this location:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge - If you don’t see an Edge folder, right-click on the Microsoft folder and create a new subfolder called Edge.
- Right-click in the empty space on the right side of the Edge folder.
- Select New and then DWORD (32-bit) Value.
- Name the new key
HubsSidebarEnabled. - Double-click the new key to open it.
- In the Value data field, enter
1to show the sidebar. Enter0to hide it. - Click OK to save.
That’s it! Your changes should take effect immediately.
Summary
The Microsoft Edge sidebar is a convenient tool that brings useful features to your fingertips. You can control it in three simple ways:
- Quick button: Click the button on the sidebar to hide it instantly.
- Settings: Use Edge Settings and toggle the sidebar on or off under Appearance.
- Registry: Advanced users can edit the Windows Registry to control the sidebar setting.
Choose whichever method works best for you. All three approaches give you full control over whether the sidebar appears in your browser.
Leave a Reply