Microsoft continues its mission to streamline its Edge browser, this time focusing on the sidebar. Leopeva64, a reliable source for Edge-related leaks, has revealed a new feature designed to help users declutter their browsing experience.
The feature, currently in testing, allows users to ‘declutter their sidebar’ by offering the option to hide app icons that haven’t been recently used. When activated, the user is presented with a list of apps that have remained untouched for some time. They can then choose to remove these apps from the sidebar by ticking them, or leave them in place by unchecking them. Edge then executes the user’s preferences.
On the surface, this feature appears to be a valuable addition, and it aligns with Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to eliminate bloat and superfluous elements from Edge. Conducting a periodic sidebar cleanup, by highlighting less frequently used apps, is akin to a digital spring cleaning task that many users will find helpful.
It’s worth noting that Microsoft seems committed to applying the same decluttering principles to its own apps. In the test build of Edge, Skype is one of the suggested icons that could be removed.
Microsoft’s Streamlining Efforts:
Microsoft’s endeavor to streamline Edge goes beyond this new sidebar feature. Throughout the year, the company has been removing certain features from the browser, focusing on stripping away more than adding. Additionally, they have introduced functionality for debloating, including the ability to disable optional features.
These measures are aimed at enhancing the user experience, and Microsoft anticipates that such actions will lead to increased adoption of the Edge browser, ultimately enhancing its reputation.
