Browsers and Mail Enable or Disable Edge Bar in Microsoft Edge


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Microsoft_Edge_banner.png

This tutorial will show you how to enable or disable the Edge bar feature in Microsoft Edge for all users in Windows 10 and Windows 11.

The Microsoft Edge web browser is based on Chromium and was released on January 15, 2020. It is compatible with all supported versions of Windows, and macOS. With speed, performance, best in class compatibility for websites and extensions, and built-in privacy and security features, it's the only browser you'll ever need.

The Edge bar (formally named "Web widget") is a feature of Microsoft Edge that lets you search and browse the web, see news headlines, check the weather, and more without opening a full browser window.

You can switch between a vertical or search only layout for the Edge bar. Then move and resize the Edge bar as you desire.

You can quickly adjust the content you see in Edge bar by clicking on the tab (icon) for your desired topic. By default, Edge bar includes tabs for your feed from MSN, Microsoft Bing, Outlook, and LinkedIn. You can add your own tabs on the side of the Edge bar that open the URL you want.

If you open the Edge bar, it will remain open even if you close Microsoft Edge.

You can use the WebWidgetAllowed policy to disable the Edge bar feature in Microsoft Edge. If you disable this policy: The Edge bar will be disabled for all profiles. The option to launch the Edge bar from Microsoft Edge Settings will be disabled. The option to launch start the Edge bar at Windows startup (auto-start) will be disabled. The option to launch the Edge bar from Microsoft Edge "More tools" menu will be disabled.

You must be signed in as an administrator to enable or disable the Edge bar.


DEPRECATED: This policy is deprecated. It is currently supported but will become obsolete in a future release.




EXAMPLE: Edge bar disabled in Microsoft Edge

Edge_bar_more_tools_menu.jpg
Edge_bar_settings.png



Here's How:

1 Do step 2 (enable) or step 3 (disable) below for what you would like to do.

2 Enable Edge Bar in Microsoft Edge

This is the default setting.


A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.​

Enable_Microsoft_Edge_bar_feature_for_all_users.reg


(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge]
"WebWidgetAllowed"=-

3 Disable Edge Bar in Microsoft Edge

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.​

Disable_Microsoft_Edge_bar_feature_for_all_users.reg


(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge]
"WebWidgetAllowed"=dword:00000000

4 Save the .reg file to your desktop.

5 Double click/tap on the downloaded .reg file to merge it.

6 When prompted, click/tap on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK to approve the merge.

7 If Microsoft Edge is currently open, then close and reopen Microsoft Edge to apply.

8 You can now delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.


That's it,
Shawn Brink


 

Attachments

  • microsoft_edge_chromium.png
    microsoft_edge_chromium.png
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  • Disable_Microsoft_Edge_bar_feature_for_all_users.reg
    576 bytes · Views: 253
  • Enable_Microsoft_Edge_bar_feature_for_all_users.reg
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Last edited:
Why would you want this with widgets, there is a lot of duplication?
 

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Why would you want this with widgets, there is a lot of duplication?
More clutter and distraction!

Micro$oft is full of hypocrites. They remove useful functionality, claiming it's a "leaner, cleaner" desktop, Then they pour on these unabashed attempts to shove Edge in our face.

Thanks for publishing this, Shawn. I've included it ("disable") in my Configure-Windows script collection.
 

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    I have many computers, mostly Dell and HP.

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