Table of Contents
Prerequisites
Before embarking on the task of attaching the Edge sidebar to your Windows desktop, there are a few prerequisites that must be first met:
Update Edge to version 116 or later
The introduction of the Standalone Sidebar feature is only available from version 116 of Microsoft Edge onwards. If you are currently using an older version of Edge, you will need to update to at least version 116 in order to enjoy the benefits of the Edge sidebar. To check your current version, you can go to edge://settings/help in your Edge browser.
Download and install Group Policy templates for Edge browser
Group policy templates are essential for managing various features in large organizations. When it comes to using the Edge sidebar feature on Windows desktop, these group policy templates are necessary to make the changes required. You can download the templates from the official Microsoft website and install them according to the instructions provided. Remember to restart your system after the installation process so that the changes can take effect.
Enable Edge sidebar from the Settings panel
The Edge sidebar feature is not enabled by default on your system. To make use of this feature, it is necessary to enable it through the System preference settings in Microsoft Edge. This can be done by going to the System section within the Settings panel of Microsoft Edge and locating the enabling option for the sidebar.
Attaching Edge Sidebar to Windows Desktop using Group Policy
Once you've met all the prerequisites, you can proceed to make the desired changes in Group Policy to attach the Edge sidebar to your Windows desktop. The complete process involves several important steps:
Open Local Group Policy Editor
The first step to changing any group policies on your system involves opening the Local Group Policy Editor. To do this, press Win + R keys together to open the Run dialog box. Type 'gpedit.msc' into the text box and hit Enter. This will open the Local Group Policy Editor.
Navigate to the appropriate path
Once the Local Group Policy Editor is open, you'll need to find the specific path where you can enable the standalone sidebar feature. Navigate to this path: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Microsoft Edge.
Double-click on 'Standalone Sidebar Enabled' setting
Under the Microsoft Edge settings in Local Group Policy Editor, you'll find a setting named 'Standalone Sidebar Enabled'. Double-click on this setting to access the options for it.
Choose 'Enabled' and save the change
After accessing the 'Standalone Sidebar Enabled' setting, you are then required to choose the 'Enabled' option to activate the feature. Once selected, click on the OK button to save the change.
Restart Edge browser
Any changes made in the Local Group Policy Editor will require that you restart your Edge browser for the changes to take effect. Whether the browser was running while the group policy changes were made or not, ensure to restart it to activate the sidebar deployment on your Windows desktop. If at any point you want to revert the changes, simply navigate back to the same setting in the Local Group Policy Editor and select the 'Not Configured' option.
Attaching Edge Sidebar to Windows Desktop using Registry
Another way to attach the Edge sidebar to the Windows desktop is through modifications in the Registry. While similar to the method of using Group Policy, it needs additional care while changing the registry value as wrong entries can lead to unforeseen system errors. Follow these steps carefully:
Open Registry Editor
To start the process, you need to open the Registry Editor. Search for 'regedit' in the Taskbar search box and click on the individual search result. You should see a UAC prompt, click the 'Yes' button to proceed. This action will open the Registry Editor on your computer.
Navigate to the appropriate path
In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SOFTWARE > Policies > Microsoft. Here, you have to create a new Key.
Create a new key named 'Edge'
After navigating to the Microsoft folder, right-click on it, then select 'New' > 'Key'. Set the name of this new Key as 'Edge'.
Create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value named 'StandaloneHubsSidebarEnabled'
Now, you need to create a new DWORD Value under the newly created Edge Key. So, right-click on the Edge Key, select 'New' > 'DWORD (32-bit) Value', and name it 'StandaloneHubsSidebarEnabled'.
Set the value data as '1'
After creating the new DWORD Value, double-click on this Value. A box will appear where you can set the Value data. To enable the feature, set the Value data as '1'. Then, click the 'OK' button to confirm the change.
Restart your computer
Lastly, close all open windows and restart your computer for the changes to take effect. Now, you should see the Edge sidebar attached to your Windows desktop. If you change your mind and want to re-attach the sidebar to the Edge browser, simply navigate to the same path and delete the 'StandaloneHubsSidebarEnabled' DWORD Value.
Other Details
While getting Edge Sidebar rooted to your desktop can enhance productivity and convenience, there are a few additional aspects that are important to note:
Reverting the changes
If at any point you wish to remove the sidebar from your desktop and re-attach it back to your Edge browser, it's a simple process. Simply select the 'Close and re-attach to Edge' icon located at the bottom of the sidebar on your desktop. This moves the sidebar back to your Edge browser.
Getting the Sidebar on Microsoft Edge browser
The Microsoft Edge browser by default displays a sidebar on the right side of the browser window. It presents a host of convenient features such as search options, tools, various other services, and even enables users to add links to custom sites. Users have the ability to activate a 'detach from Edge' button on this sidebar if they wish to move it to their desktop from within the Edge browser.
Pinning Edge to Desktop in Windows 11/10
From version 116 onwards, Microsoft Edge offers the unique feature of attaching its sidebar to the Windows desktop. You can activate this side-by-side experience, which works harmoniously with any Windows app, including Microsoft Edge itself, by clicking on a 'popout' icon at the base of the sidebar when in the Edge browser. This yields a useful, compact tool that provides access to powerful AI tools and web-based services without needing to launch a new browser window. This means you can streamline your work and navigate with ease, regardless of where you are operating within Windows.
