Feeling Lost? How to Restore the Missing Sidebar Button on Microsoft Edge

Struggling With Edge’s Sidebar? What’s the Fastest Way to Bring Back That Missing Toolbar Button and Avoid Confusion?

Simple steps can help return the missing sidebar button on Microsoft Edge. This guide uses short sentences, clear actions, and an easy step-by-step flow.

Why Did the Sidebar Button Disappear?

• Microsoft Edge added a new feature called Copilot Mode.
• When Copilot Mode is on, it replaces the sidebar button with a Copilot icon.
• Many people are confused, thinking the sidebar button is gone for good.

Get the Sidebar Button Back: Step-by-Step

1. Open Microsoft Edge.
2. Click the three-dot menu (top-right corner).
3. Select Settings.
4. On the left, click “AI Innovations.”
5. On the right, turn OFF “Copilot Mode.” This removes the Copilot icon and gets you ready to add the sidebar button back.
6. Click the “Appearance” tab on the left menu.
7. Scroll down to find “Copilot and Sidebar.”
8. Click “Copilot” under App specific settings.
9. Turn OFF the “Show Copilot button on the toolbar” option. This swaps the Copilot button for the sidebar button immediately.
10. If the sidebar button does not appear:
    • Stay in the “Appearance” section.
    • Check “Copilot and Sidebar.”
    • Make sure “Show sidebar button” is ON.

Useful Tips

• Restart Edge after changing settings if the sidebar button still does not show.
• You can use the shortcut Ctrl+Shift+/ to bring back the sidebar on some builds.
• Make sure you are not in Private Mode; the sidebar does not work there.
• If you ever want Copilot back, repeat the same steps and turn its toggle to ON.

Quick Troubleshooting

• Extensions or add-ons may sometimes hide toolbar buttons. Try disabling them and restart Edge.
• Resetting Edge settings can restore all default toolbar buttons if something is still missing.
• Updating Edge ensures you have the latest fix for toolbar and sidebar features.

Why This Is Helpful

• The sidebar brings quick tools and features to Edge.
• Copilot Mode can be powerful, but some users prefer the familiar sidebar.
• You stay in control—choose what button you want to see and use.

Extra Help

• Some users find “AI Innovations” or “Copilot and Sidebar” under slightly different names, depending on their Edge version. Look for similar wording—it’s usually at the bottom of the Settings menu.
• If you can’t find these options, update Edge or check the latest online help for your version.
• Group Policy or administrator restrictions on work or school devices may block sidebar controls.

Empowering you with a positive way to solve this, these steps will help make Edge work the way you want without frustration.