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Microsoft Edge users who rely on the browser's sidebar to multitask are about to lose one of its most defining features. In a push to simplify the browsing experience, Microsoft is officially retiring the Microsoft Edge sidebar apps list. This change means users will no longer be able to pin custom web apps, such as Outlook, shopping tools, or quick search panels, alongside their active tabs.
The deprecation is starting with Microsoft account users, signaling a broader effort to declutter the browser's interface. The transition is already underway, with Microsoft confirming that new applications can no longer be added to the sidebar. For users who already have web apps pinned in their app tower, these shortcuts will be automatically removed in a future update.
While an exact retirement date has not been announced, Microsoft plans to roll out the change gradually. The company will issue in-browser notifications to active users before the feature completely disappears.
What Happens to Copilot and Existing Workflows?
Despite the aggressive cleanup, Microsoft's AI assistant is entirely exempt from the purge. Copilot will remain permanently anchored in the Edge sidebar, with the company explicitly stating it will continue to enhance the AI tool's integration. This selective removal has sparked frustration among power users who built daily workflows around quick mini-app access, as alternative features like Split Screen do not offer the same persistent, lightweight functionality.
The backlash is already visible across social media, with some users threatening to abandon the browser entirely. As noted by frustrated users on X (formerly Twitter), the sidebar app list was a primary reason many switched to Edge in 2021, and its removal is pushing some to consider alternatives like Brave.
The AI Takeover of Browser Real Estate
This decision highlights a clear shift in Microsoft's design philosophy: user-customized utility is taking a backseat to AI integration. By clearing out third-party web apps, Microsoft is ensuring that Copilot faces zero competition for the most valuable real estate on your screen. While decluttering is generally a positive move for browser performance, stripping away a unique multitasking tool that differentiated Edge from Google Chrome risks alienating the very power users who championed the browser's revival. If Microsoft wants to retain this demographic, it will need to prove that Copilot's evolving capabilities can genuinely replace the specific, customizable workflows that the sidebar apps previously provided.
