Installing or updating Microsoft Edge on Windows 11
This browser is no longer supported.
Upgrade to Microsoft Edge to take advantage of the latest features, security updates, and technical support.
Has microsoft lost it!! the sidebar app feature is very useful removing that is just not cool I choose edge over other browsers for its functunality and customizations offcourse simplifying is good to compete with browsers like arc but getting rid of the sidebar you do that im moving my stuff to arc
Installing or updating Microsoft Edge on Windows 11
Answer accepted by question author
Why not just let users hide the "tower" if they don't want it. I use it for messengers as there is no need to keep the tab open. Maybe there are reasons behind removing it, but no approval of this decision from my side unfortunately.
Dear Microsoft Team,
If this feature is removed, I will switch to Google Chrome immediately. Honestly, this sidebar functionality is the main reason my wife and I have been using Microsoft Edge for the past few years.
The sidebar works like an app hub for us. We use multiple profiles (personal, work, etc.), and the ability to quickly access AI tools (like ChatGPT or email drafting), search, and other services without opening a new tab or logging in repeatedly is extremely valuable.
Another major benefit is persistence — once opened, the sidebar stays there. We can expand or collapse it anytime without interrupting our workflow. It also supports split-screen usage, which makes multitasking much easier.
For example:
I can play/pause YouTube Music instantly from the sidebar
Join or manage Google Meet calls
Check email or WhatsApp
Access AI tools quickly without switching tabs
All of this happens without changing the main screen, which significantly improves productivity.
If this feature is removed, there will be no strong reason for us to continue using Edge. As you know, Chrome remains the number one browser and is deeply integrated with Android and other platforms, making it easier to access data across devices. I have already started syncing my data from Edge to Chrome monthly in preparation.
Please reconsider removing such a useful feature. This is genuine feedback from a regular user who relies on it daily.
Thank you.
Microsoft doing what they do best, only what they want and not what the users wants.
Just switch to Vivaldi, you'll get your sidebar apps again without that crappy CoPilot.
They have already crippled the feature by not allowing any apps to be added to the bar.
Oh look, I just got a notification dot on the Messanger icon on the launch bar saying I just got a message... Pretty soon I won't be able to do that and will have to open tabs and load facebook etc.. yea great way to streamline...
Just another stupid decision by M$
The sidebar itself and Copilot are not being removed. What is being retired is the “sidebar app list” (also called the App Tower) that showed pinned mini‑apps.
According to the current guidance:
The documentation only states that Microsoft is “simplifying Microsoft Edge” and does not provide a more detailed rationale beyond that.
References: