Microsoft is killing Edge’s useful sidebar apps for Copilot

According to XDA-Developers, Microsoft is removing the Sidebar app list feature from its Edge browser, leaving only Copilot in that space. The change was first spotted in Edge Canary builds in 2024, though Microsoft hasn’t provided a specific removal timeline. Users can no longer add new apps to the sidebar, and existing quick access features will disappear gradually. The sidebar itself isn’t being completely removed, but will be dedicated solely to Copilot functionality. Microsoft claims this move will “simplify” Edge, but many users are already expressing frustration about losing access to tools they use daily.

Microsoft’s ongoing simplification push

Here’s the thing about Microsoft and Edge: they’ve been on this simplification kick for years now. The browser started as this EdgeHTML-powered thing that nobody really loved, then switched to Chromium, and they’ve been adding and removing features ever since. But this particular removal feels different because people actually used the sidebar apps. I mean, think about it – you could have your calculator, notes, or translation tools right there without opening new tabs. Now it’s just Copilot territory.

So why kill something people actually find useful? Well, Microsoft’s betting big on AI, and Copilot is their golden child. They want that real estate to be exclusively for their AI assistant. It’s a classic platform move – create a feature people like, then remove it to push them toward your strategic priority. The question is whether users will accept this “simplification” or just get annoyed and switch browsers. One user already threatened exactly that, saying they’d ditch Edge if Microsoft doesn’t reconsider.

What’s actually happening to the sidebar

Look, let’s be clear about what’s changing. The sidebar itself isn’t disappearing entirely – it’s becoming Copilot-only territory. The notification spotted by leaker Leopeva64 specifically says “Copilot is not affected” while everything else gets the axe. New apps can’t be added starting now, and existing quick access features will be removed gradually. Microsoft hasn’t said exactly when the full removal happens, which suggests they’re testing the waters in Canary first before pushing to stable builds.

Basically, if you’re someone who uses the sidebar for anything other than Copilot, you’re going to lose that functionality. And that’s a shame because the sidebar was one of Edge’s genuinely useful differentiators. Now it’s becoming just another AI chat interface. Don’t get me wrong – Copilot can be helpful, but do we really need it taking over every available surface in the browser?

User reaction and what comes next

The backlash is already starting, and honestly, it’s understandable. When you take away a feature people have integrated into their workflow, they get rightfully annoyed. Reddit threads and Twitter replies are filling up with complaints from people who rely on those sidebar tools for productivity. Microsoft’s playing a dangerous game here – they’re betting that Copilot is valuable enough to justify removing features people actually use.

Now, here’s the business reality: Microsoft needs Copilot to succeed. They’re all-in on AI, and every surface that can host Copilot probably will. But there‘s a balance between pushing your new product and respecting how people actually use your software. Removing useful features to force adoption rarely works well. We’ll see if Microsoft listens to the feedback or just pushes ahead with their AI-first vision regardless of what users want.