14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has recently released a new major update for Microsoft Edge on the desktop, and the company has included lots of new features this time.
Microsoft Edge 104.0.1293.63 is all about the newly-developed sidebar, which includes shortcuts for common browser features, including search.
The sidebar isn’t necessarily a new idea, as similar features have been available in other browsers for quite some time. Both Vivaldi and Opera have been offering sidebars for quite some time, so Microsoft Edge getting the same feature isn’t necessarily a breaking change for the browser world but rather for those running Edge.
The sidebar is rolling out gradually to users worldwide, Microsoft says. This means not everybody is going to get the sidebar after installing this update on day one, but it should eventually show up as the availability is increased.
“The Microsoft Edge sidebar lets users access Microsoft Edge features side-by-side with their browsing window. Available features include Discover, Bing search, Outlook, Office, Games, and Tools such as a unit converter and Internet speed test. Administrators can control the availability of the Microsoft Edge sidebar by using the HubsSidebarEnabled policy. Note: This is a controlled feature rollout. If you don't see this feature, check back as we continue our rollout,” Microsoft says.
Just as expected, both Outlook and Microsoft Office apps are part of the new sidebar experience, and once again, Microsoft explains that the support for them is rolling out to users in stages.
“Quickly and easily access Microsoft Office documents and apps. Administrators can control the Microsoft Office menu in the Microsoft Edge sidebar by using the MicrosoftOfficeMenuEnabled policy. Note: This is a controlled feature rollout. If you don't see this feature, check back as we continue our rollout,” the company explains in the official changelog of this latest update.