[
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "how%20can%20i%20remove%20the%20edge%20bar%20in%20windows%2011"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "If by \"edge bar\" you mean Microsoft Edge's sidebar feature (sometimes called the Edge Bar, Edge Side Panel, or sidebar widgets like news, Bing, Copilot, or search panels), here are several ways to remove, disable, or hide it in Windows 11. Follow the method that matches your version/setup best.\n\n---\n\n## \ud83e\uddf0 What exactly is \u201cEdge bar\u201d in this context?\n\n- The **Edge bar** refers to Microsoft Edge\u2019s sidebar UI that shows things like Bing, news, search, Outlook, etc. ([guidingtech.com](https://www.guidingtech.com/how-to-use-edge-bar-in-microsoft-edge-on-windows-11/?utm_source=openai))  \n- There\u2019s also a desktop \u201cEdge Bar\u201d widget that can auto-launch separate from the main browser. The steps vary depending on which one you have. ([askvg.com](https://www.askvg.com/tip-enable-or-disable-edge-sidebar-in-windows-10-and-11/?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## \ud83d\udd27 Methods to Disable or Hide the Edge Bar\n\nHere are the main strategies:\n\n---\n\n### 1. Use Edge\u2019s Appearance/Settings Menu\n\n1. Open Microsoft Edge  \n2. Click **\u22ef \u2192 Settings**  \n3. Go to the **Appearance** section  \n4. Look for \u201cSidebar\u201d or \u201cShow sidebar\u201d options  \n5. Toggle it **Off**, or set it to **Auto-hidden** so it only appears when you want it to. ([ninjaone.com](https://www.ninjaone.com/blog/disable-open-site-or-app-to-sidebar/?utm_source=openai))\n\nAlso, there\u2019s usually a \u201cHide sidebar\u201d button directly in the bar itself\u2014click that to close it. ([windowsloop.com](https://windowsloop.com/disable-edge-bar/?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n### 2. Keyboard Shortcut\n\n- Press **Ctrl + Shift + /** (slash) while in Edge\u2014this toggles the sidebar on or off. ([windowsloop.com](https://windowsloop.com/disable-edge-bar/?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n### 3. Registry Policy (Advanced / applies system-wide)\n\nIf you want to disable the Edge Bar for everyone (or permanently hide it), you can use a registry tweak or via Group Policy.\n\n#### To disable the sidebar:\n\n1. Press **Win + R**, type `regedit`, press Enter  \n2. Navigate to:  \n   `HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Edge`  \n3. If **Edge** key doesn't exist, create it  \n4. Inside it, create a **DWORD (32-bit)** value named `HubsSidebarEnabled`  \n5. Set its value to `0` (zero)  \n6. Restart Edge to apply changes. ([learn.microsoft.com](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/2365954/completely-remove-or-disable-microsoft-sidebar-fea?utm_source=openai))\n\n#### To disable opening links or apps into the sidebar:\n\n- Create or edit the DWORD named `EdgeOpenInSidebarEnabled` under the same policy key:\n\n```\nHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Edge\\EdgeOpenInSidebarEnabled\n```\n\nSet this value to `0` to disable that behavior. ([ninjaone.com](https://www.ninjaone.com/blog/disable-open-site-or-app-to-sidebar/?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n### 4. Disable the Desktop Edge Bar\n\nThe desktop Edge Bar (that floats or sits on your screen even outside of the Edge browser) can be disabled:\n\n- Either through Edge settings, under \u201cEdge Bar\u201d or \u201cEdge sidebar for desktop\u201d (if available), or  \n- Via a registry policy similar to above\u2014AskVG\u2019s guide shows policies starting with Edge version 128 for auto-start and full disable of the Desktop Edge Bar. ([askvg.com](https://www.askvg.com/tip-enable-or-disable-edge-sidebar-in-windows-10-and-11/?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## \u26a0\ufe0f What to Keep in Mind\n\n- These settings might vary slightly depending on your Edge version. Microsoft sometimes changes features or settings locations in updates.  \n- Registry and policy changes modify Edge behavior deeply; incorrect edits may cause issues. Always back up the registry first.  \n- Even when hidden or disabled, Edge components might still run in the background or be used by other Windows features. You may not be able to fully remove Edge. ([howtogeek.com](https://www.howtogeek.com/remove-microsoft-edge-from-windows/?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\nIf you tell me which version of Edge you're using (look in *Settings \u2192 About Microsoft Edge*) or send a screenshot of the \u201cedge bar\u201d you see, I can provide more precise instructions for your setup."
    }
]