How to attach the Edge sidebar to Windows desktop

If you want to attach the Edge sidebar to Windows desktop, here is how to do that. You can detach the sidebar and show it on your desktop as a standalone feature, which is fully functional. You must have Microsoft Edge version 116 or later to show or hide the Edge sidebar on a Windows desktop.

Microsoft Edge Sidebar is one of the best features of this browser that allows users to use various apps such as search, get shopping information, use different tools like Calculator, play games, use Microsoft 365 apps, etc. By default, you can use it only when the browser is opened on your computer. However, it is also possible to use the sidebar separately and from the Windows desktop.

Before getting started, you must know three things:

• Make sure that you have Edge 116 or a later version. If you haven’t updated your browser, it is recommended to update Edge now.
• It is required to download and install Group Policy templates for Edge browser.
• You must enable Edge sidebar from the Settings panel.

How to attach the Edge sidebar to Windows desktop using Group Policy

To attach the Edge sidebar to the Windows desktop using Group Policy, follow these steps:

1. Press Win+R> type gpedit.msc and hit the Enter button.
2. Navigate to Microsoft Edge in Computer Configuration.
3. Double-click on the Standalone Sidebar Enabled setting.
4. Choose the Enabled option.
5. Click the OK button.
6. Restart the Edge browser.

First, you need to open the Local Group Policy Editor. For that, press Win+R > type gpedit.msc > hit the Enter button.

Then, navigate to this path:

Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Microsoft Edge

Here, you can find a setting named Standalone Sidebar Enabled. Double-click on this setting and choose the Enabled option.

Click the OK button to save the change. Once done, restart the Edge browser if it was running while enabling the Group Policy setting.

If you want to revert the change or do not want to show the sidebar separately, you need to open the same setting in the Local Group Policy Editor and choose the Not Configured option.

How to attach the Edge sidebar to Windows desktop using Registry

To attach the Edge sidebar to Windows desktop using Registry, follow these steps:

1. Search for regedit in the Taskbar search box.
2. Click on the individual search result.
3. Click the Yes button.
4. Navigate to Microsoft in HKLM.
5. Right-click on Microsoft > New > Key.
6. Name it as Edge.
7. Right-click on Edge > New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
8. Set the name as StandaloneHubsSidebarEnabled.
9. Double-click on it to set the Value data as 1.
10. Click the OK button.
11. Restart your computer.

Let’s find out more about these steps in detail.

First, search for regedit in the Taskbar search box, click on the individual search result, and click the Yes button on the UAC prompt to open the Registry Editor on your computer.

Once it is opened, you need to navigate to this path:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\

Right-click on Microsoft > New > Key and set the name as Edge.

Then, right-click on the Edge key, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it as StandaloneHubsSidebarEnabled.

Next, you need to change the Value data. For that, double-click on the REG_DWORD value and set the Value data as 1.

Finally, click the OK button, close all windows, and restart your computer.

If you want to re-attach the sidebar to the Edge browser, you need to navigate to the same path and delete the REG_DWORD value.

That’s all!

Read: Fix Microsoft Edge keeps opening multiple tabs

How do I get the Sidebar on Microsoft Edge?

To get the Sidebar on the Microsoft Edge browser, you need to open the Settings panel first. Then, click on the Sidebar tab visible on the left-hand side. Toggle the Always show sidebar button to turn it on. For your information, you can add or remove apps from the sidebar from here as well.

How do I pin Microsoft Edge to my desktop in Windows?

To pin Microsoft Edge to my desktop in Windows 11/10, you need to open the File Explorer and go to this path: C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs. Then, right-click on the Microsoft Edge icon and select the Show more options. Next, choose the Send to option and select the Desktop.

Read: Fix Microsoft Edge Sidebar keeps opening