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Why is sidebar app list retiring??

Manoj Kumar 115 Reputation points
2026-04-26T04:52:18.1466667+00:00

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

Microsoft Edge | Install and update | Windows 11

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  1. Lauris Ieviņš 115 Reputation points
    2026-04-29T09:12:54.0866667+00:00

    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.

    30+ people found this answer helpful.

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  1. ASKARALI MATTUMMAL 30 Reputation points
    2026-04-30T05:45:40.0966667+00:00

    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.

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    10+ people found this answer helpful.

  2. Adam Chiasson-Duguay 15 Reputation points
    2026-05-01T12:44:50.15+00:00

    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.

    5 people found this answer helpful.

  3. John B 80 Reputation points
    2026-04-30T04:30:47.9066667+00:00

    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$

    5 people found this answer helpful.

  4. Q&A Assist
    2026-04-26T04:52:31.5833333+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    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 sidebar app list will be retired in a future Edge update, starting with Microsoft account (MSA) users.
    • There is no confirmed final retirement date yet; removal will roll out gradually, and users who access it will be notified before it is fully removed.
    • New apps can no longer be added to the sidebar app list.
    • Apps already pinned there continue to work for now, but they will be removed in a future update.
    • Copilot and the side pane are explicitly not affected and will remain available and continue to be improved.
    • Some of the functionality of pinned apps can still be accessed:
      • Many apps can be opened directly on the web (for example, WhatsApp, Instagram).
      • Some apps are available through the Edge toolbar (for example, Drop, Copilot).

    The documentation only states that Microsoft is “simplifying Microsoft Edge” and does not provide a more detailed rationale beyond that.


    References:

    1 person found this answer helpful.

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