Microsoft is simplifying Edge by way of putting off the sidebar — however Copilot remains

If 2025 was once all about Microsoft including options (together with Copilot) to all of its apps, then 2026 appears to be the 12 months the place Microsoft starts rolling again the ones options (together with Copilot) to a extra good degree. We have now already noticed the corporate return to the strategy planning stage with Home windows 11 because it pulls again on Copilot’s integration whilst additionally operating on core portions of the OS, like Document Explorer.

Smartly, it sort of feels that Microsoft is not just specializing in Home windows 11. It is usually turning a crucial eye to its browser, Microsoft Edge, in a bid to make it extra interesting for Home windows customers. And, similar to what we are seeing with the OS, we are going to see some options get trimmed again…so long as it is not Copilot.

We aren’t certain when, precisely

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As noticed by way of Home windows Newest, Microsoft has up to date its Edge sidebar documentation with a brand new retirement announcement. Whilst we did know of Microsoft Edge’s sidebar’s eventual elimination by means of the Canary department, we did not know why it was once leaving. Now, Microsoft has defined that it is a bid to simplify the instrument:

Sidebar app checklist is being retired

We’re simplifying Microsoft Edge. The sidebar app checklist might be retired within the close to long term, beginning with Microsoft account (MSA) customers. There is not any showed retirement date presently.

New apps can not be added to the sidebar, and apps recently pinned within the app tower might be got rid of in a long term replace.

Microsoft then very particularly states that this is not going to have an effect on Copilot by any means, as the corporate works to “enhance and fortify it.”

Home windows Newest claims they have got heard studies from “dozens of customers” that they might go away Microsoft Edge if the sidebar had been ever got rid of, so it sort of feels love it was once a large hit with the app’s fanatics. Here is hoping Microsoft does not finally end up capturing itself within the foot with this modification.