Browsers

How to Add or Remove Sidebar in Microsoft Edge

Written by

Richard

Dec 6, 2022 Updated Jun 19, 2026 3 min read

You can add or remove the sidebar in Microsoft Edge through its settings menu to customize your browsing experience.

The Edge sidebar is a convenient panel on the right side of your browser, giving you quick access to features like Search, Discover, and Microsoft 365 apps without leaving your current tab.

This tool, built on the Chromium engine, aims to streamline your workflow by bringing essential functions closer. For example, hiding the sidebar can give you more screen space to view web content, which is especially helpful on laptops or smaller monitors.

⚡ 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.

hide edge sidebar via button

How to Show or Hide the Sidebar in Edge Settings

You can turn the Microsoft Edge sidebar on or off directly in the browser’s settings. If it’s missing or you just want to hide it for a cleaner look, this is the easiest way to manage it.

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 more control over the Microsoft Edge sidebar, you can change its settings using the Windows Registry Editor. This method is for users who are comfortable editing system files and need to make advanced adjustments.

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

You can easily manage the Microsoft Edge sidebar in a few ways, whether you want a quick fix or more 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 for you. 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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