Browsers

How to Add or Remove Sidebar in Microsoft Edge

Written by

Richard

Dec 6, 2022 Updated Sep 15, 2026 2 min read

How to Add or Remove Sidebar in Microsoft Edge

The Microsoft Edge sidebar is a built-in panel on the right side of your browser window that gives you quick access to tools like Copilot, games, and web apps without opening a new tab.

You can turn off this panel in Microsoft Edge version 120 and newer if you want more room to see webpages on smaller screens, or turn it back on whenever you need those shortcuts again.

⚡ 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

Managing the Microsoft Edge sidebar through the browser settings lets you hide the panel and keep your screen clean. Open the three-dot menu in the top right corner, select Settings, and click Appearance on the left side to find the toggle switch that turns the Microsoft Edge sidebar on or off instantly.

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

Configuring the Microsoft Edge sidebar via the Windows Registry Editor gives you system-level control over the browser. Open the Registry Editor and go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge to add or modify the keys that force the sidebar to stay hidden across user accounts.

Advanced users can bypass the settings menu and configure the sidebar directly in the 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.

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

Changes take effect immediately, though a browser restart may occasionally be required.

Summary

Controlling the Microsoft Edge sidebar is simple whether you want a quick fix using the on-screen toggle button, prefer adjusting preferences inside the main Edge Settings menu, or need to enforce rules through the Windows Registry Editor for multiple users on your computer.

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 the workflow. Complete control over the sidebar's appearance remains available regardless of the chosen path.

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Tags: #Microsoft Edge

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About the Author

Richard

Tech Writer, IT Professional

Richard is a writer at Geek Rewind who turns complex IT tasks into clear, step-by-step guides. He draws on years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, focusing on Windows, Linux and WordPress: the problems people actually run into, and the fixes that work. His server and WordPress guides come from systems he runs himself. Richard builds and maintains the platform behind Geek Rewind, from its Ubuntu servers and Nginx configuration to its custom WordPress plugins. Many new tutorials start with readers' questions, and he's always glad to answer them in the comments.

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