Windows 10: Windows 10 users may now attach Microsoft Edge's sidebar to the desktop

Microsoft has published Microsoft Edge 116, a new stable version of its Chromium-based browser. Released on August 21, 2023, Microsoft Edge 116 includes security updates and two new features.

Existing installations of Microsoft Edge should receive the update automatically, thanks to the built-in updating functionality. Users may check the installed version by loading edge://settings/help in the browser's address bar, or by selecting Menu (three-dots) > Help and Feedback > About Microsoft Edge.

The browser should run a check for update when the page is opened to download any update automatically at that point.

Microsoft Edge 116: security update


Microsoft Edge 116 Stable is a security update first and foremost. It addresses two Edge-specific security vulnerabilities and includes fixes for vulnerabilities that affect all Chromium-based browsers.

The two Edge-specific vulnerabilities have been rated moderate and low. The patches address elevation of privilege and information disclosure vulnerabilities. The 21 Chromium-based security issues are also fixed in the release.

You may check out the article on the Chrome 116 release, as it includes additional information on the Chromium-based vulnerabilities.

Microsoft Edge 116: new features




Microsoft highlights two features in the release notes. The first brings the ability to attach the Microsoft Edge sidebar to the desktop to the Windows 10 operating system.

Microsoft Edge displays a sidebar on the right side of the browser window by default. It is a customizable toolbar that displays search options, tools, various other services and also an option to add links to custom sites.

Windows 10 users may activate the "detach from Edge" button on the sidebar to attach the sidebar to the Windows 10 desktop. The sidebar is detached from the browser when the button is activated and remains attached to the desktop, even if Microsoft Edge is closed. The functionality remains identical to Edge's sidebar.

Microsoft notes: " As an opt-in experience in Windows 10, users can attach the sidebar to their Windows desktop by clicking a "popout" icon near the base of the sidebar in the browser. This enables a side-by-side experience that works with any Windows app — including Microsoft Edge itself. Users enjoy streamlined access to the same set of powerful AI tools and web-based services, including Bing Chat, without launching a browser window, enhancing productivity regardless of where they are in Windows". Microsoft reveals that it plans to add features and options in the future to the sidebar.

The second feature that Microsoft highlights is Microsoft Edge for Business. We reviewed Microsoft Edge for Business earlier this month. Available for Microsoft Entra accounts (formerly known as Azure Active Directory), Microsoft Edge for Business ships with improved management options, and the ability to use personal and business browsing modes.

Now You: do you use Edge and its sidebar?

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Microsoft is developing a built-in ad blocker for its Edge browser

"One of the first browser add-ons many people install to improve their online experience is Adblock Plus or something similar. Until recently, Microsoft Edge's lack of support for add-ons put off a lot of would-be users, but reports from Build 2016 suggest that native ad blocking is on its way to the Internet Explorer successor.

Adblock Plus is coming to Edge, but built-in ad blocking would negate the need for such an add-on. A slide shown off and snapped at a Build presentation shows that the next version of Edge, in response to user feedback, will feature ad blocking capabilities. There's no word on delivery timescale, but the upcoming Windows 10 Anniversary Update would seem a likely candidate.

ZDNet's Ed Bott photographed the slide which shows Microsoft's development roadmap built around feedback from testers. Right at the top of the list is reference to plans to create a plugin and extension store for Edge, but it's entry number four that's more intriguing.

"Build ad blocking features into the browser" is listed as a Feature Request from users. But the good news is that it is not only listed as being "Deliverable 4682811", but as "Targeted for the next version".

This will no doubt come as good news for those who have fallen in love with Edge, but it's not something that will be welcomed by the likes of Adblock Plus. It does seem that, particularly in the mobile arena, there is a move to baking ad blocking into the browser so it makes sense that Microsoft is following the trend. But it is the fact that Edge straddles Windows 10 on the desktop and Windows 10 Mobile that makes this a particularly interesting move.

Keep an eye out for Insider builds in the coming weeks as the feature may be just around the corner."

Forget extensions, built-in ad blocking is coming to Microsoft Edge - [UPDATE... no it's not!]

 

Window Edge browser, no favourites sidebar on startup.

Thanks for that suggestion. However its not really a good solution since you have to launch it each time. Will go back to IE 11 until Microsoft does it properly and has favorites on LHS/RHS at the users choice. Hate these mobile phone solutions at the expense of us desktop users.

Thanks again
John

 

Microsoft Edge Sidebar now supports 3rd party extensions

Source: Just a moment...