Browsers

How to Add or Remove Sidebar in Microsoft Edge

Written by

Richard

Dec 6, 2022 Updated Apr 8, 2026 2 min read

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.

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

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.

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 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.

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Tags: #Microsoft Edge

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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