Microsoft has started removing selected features from its Edge browser as part of a broader push to simplify its software ecosystem. The company confirmed that it will retire the sidebar app list, a feature that allowed users to pin and quickly access web apps. The move follows updates spotted in official documentation and experimental builds, signaling a shift away from feature-heavy design.
Microsoft stated that new apps can no longer be added to the sidebar. Existing apps pinned in the app tower will disappear in a future update. The company has not shared a firm timeline for the rollout, though early changes have already appeared for Microsoft account users.
The decision reflects a wider strategy visible across Microsoft’s products in 2026. The company plans to improve its operations after completing 1 year of developing new features, including artificial intelligence capabilities. The company uses its internal communication system to focus on improving the user experience and system performance, while reducing the number of interface elements.
It looks like Edge will be a part of this rethinking process. The company’s intention is to simplify the web browsing experience and eliminate redundant functionality.
Microsoft’s Copilot remains central to the company’s entire ecosystem. As mentioned above, the company said that deleting the sidebar application list would not affect Copilot. On the contrary, Microsoft plans to continue developing Copilot further.
It should be noted that this move aligns with Microsoft’s policy of making Copilot central to everything.
Also Read: Microsoft Copilot Reaches 20 Million Paid Seats as Enterprise Adoption Expands
Initial user feedback indicates that some users find the sidebar highly beneficial, as it enables them to switch between tasks and applications without delay. Microsoft faces a challenging decision: whether to remove or maintain the sidebar feature for its users.