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How to Add or Remove Sidebar in Microsoft Edge

Written by

Richard

Dec 6, 2022 Updated Jul 14, 2026 3 min read

How to Add or Remove Sidebar in Microsoft Edge

The Microsoft Edge sidebar lets you add useful tools directly to your browser window. This handy panel appears on the right side of Edge and gives you quick access to features like Copilot, Collections, or even your Microsoft 365 apps without needing to open a new tab.

Microsoft built this sidebar to make your online activities smoother. It brings important functions closer, helping you get things done faster.

If you need more room to see webpages, especially on a smaller screen, you can easily hide the sidebar. Learning to manage it means you can choose what tools you want right at your fingertips while browsing.

⚡ Quick Answer

You can show or hide the sidebar in Microsoft Edge using the toggle switch in Settings under Appearance. Alternatively, click the small button at the top of the sidebar itself to quickly hide it.

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

The Microsoft Edge sidebar can be shown or hidden directly within the browser’s settings menu. If the sidebar is missing or you want it gone for a cleaner look, managing it through Edge settings is the recommended method.

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.

micrsoft edge browser more option and settings

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.

microsoft edge settings show or hide sidebar button

How to Show or Hide the Sidebar Using the Registry

For advanced control over the Microsoft Edge sidebar, changing its visibility and behavior is possible using the Windows Registry Editor. This method is best if you’re comfortable editing system files and need to make specific adjustments to how the sidebar functions.

If you want more control, you can change the sidebar setting directly in the Windows Registry Editor.

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.

microsoft edge show or hide sidebar via registry

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 1 to show the sidebar. Enter 0 to hide it.
Click OK to save.

microsoft edge show or hide sidebar via registry value data

That’s it! Your changes should take effect immediately.

Summary

The Microsoft Edge sidebar can be managed using a few different methods, depending on whether you need a quick fix or more detailed control. Options include using a simple button, adjusting settings within Edge, or editing the Windows Registry for advanced changes.

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. No matter which method you choose, you’ll have complete control over the sidebar’s appearance.

Technically, the Sidebar will still exist, but in a different form. Microsoft is removing the ability to add apps to the Sidebar, and a future update to Edge will remove any apps users have already added. But the core experience provided by the Sidebar is being retired.

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Tags: #Microsoft Edge

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About the Author

Richard

Tech Writer, IT Professional

Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.

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