What happened to the Microsoft Edge browser panel to the right?

The panel you’re seeing on the right in Microsoft Edge is the Sidebar —and recently, Microsoft has been phasing it out in favor of more AI-focused features like Copilot.

🧭 The Sidebar: What It Was

The Sidebar was a narrow, persistent panel on the right-hand side of Edge that let you:

  • Pin web apps (Outlook, Calendar, etc.)
  • Access tools like Search, Discover, Games, and more
  • Multitask without leaving your current tab

It was especially popular with power users who wanted quick access to secondary tools while browsing.

🔍 What’s Changing (and Why)

1. Sidebar Is Being Retired

Microsoft has confirmed that the traditional Sidebar app list is being removed , especially for personal Microsoft account users, with business accounts following in a phased rollout.

  • No new apps can be added to the Sidebar anymore.
  • Existing pinned apps will disappear in future updates.
  • The change is part of a broader shift toward AI-driven experiences , especially around Copilot integration.

2. Copilot Takes Center Stage

Instead of the classic Sidebar, Microsoft is pushing:

  • Copilot Mode in Edge, which offers AI summarization, task automation, and more.
  • Enhanced AI access via the sidebar , including Discover and Copilot buttons.

Essentially, the Sidebar isn’t gone—it’s being reimagined with AI tools taking priority over pinned web apps.

🛠️ What You Can Do Now

If you still see the Sidebar or want to customize what appears:

  • Click the+ button on the Sidebar to add or manage available tools.
  • Hide unwanted elements like Discover or Copilot via Edge settings if they clutter your view.
  • Check for updates : Some changes roll out gradually, so your experience may vary depending on your Edge version and account type.

If the Sidebar suddenly disappeared:

  • It may be due to an automatic update.
  • You can try resetting Edge settings or checking the Appearance > Sidebar options in Settings.

📅 Timeline & Context

  • 2022 : Sidebar launched as a multitasking tool.
  • 2024–2025 : AI features like Copilot start appearing in Edge.
  • Late 2025 : Microsoft announces removal of Sidebar app list to prioritize Copilot.
  • 2026 : Phased rollout continues; personal accounts affected first.

💬 Community & Forum Buzz

On tech forums and discussion boards, users are reacting with a mix of frustration and curiosity :

“The Sidebar was one of Edge’s best features—why remove it?”
“Copilot is cool, but I liked having my calendar and notes pinned.”
“Feels like Microsoft is forcing AI whether we want it or not.”

Some users are exploring workarounds, like using PWA (Progressive Web Apps) or third-party tools to replicate Sidebar functionality.

🔮 What’s Next?

Expect Microsoft to double down on AI-first browsing :

  • More Copilot integrations across Windows and Edge.
  • Possible new AI-powered side panels replacing traditional app pins.
  • Continued deprecation of legacy UI elements in favor of smarter, context-aware tools.

If you relied heavily on the Sidebar, now’s a good time to explore alternatives or provide feedback via Microsoft’s official channels. TL;DR : The right-side panel in Edge (the Sidebar) is being retired to make room for AI tools like Copilot. You can still customize what appears, but pinned web apps are going away in a phased rollout.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.