Edge users are begging Microsoft to return these two features

Microsoft Edge may not be the most popular browser out there, but it definitely has its dedicated fanbase. What this means is that each time a good, or even an undesirable, change is made to the browser, there is a massive uproar from its users. Now, Edge customers are requesting Microsoft to reconsider its decision to get rid of two features.

The first in question is Edge Collections. We reported in January that Microsoft is getting rid of this particular capability, and the company confirmed this staggered retirement via updated documentation in February. This was a very nifty feature for some, as it allowed them to categorize their thoughts and ideas in one place, directly inside Edge, making it a very productive web browsing experience.

As such, customers really aren't happy that Microsoft decided to kill it. Interestingly, a lot of neurodivergent people have emphasized how important Edge Collections are to them, as it helps keep them focused. The problem was also exacerbated by the fact that Redmond did not offer proper alternatives. Feedback from its dedicated portal paints a rather dismal picture:

• Microsoft Edge collections is a genuinely useful feature which for some inexplicable reason, Microsoft have decided to get rid of. "Moving" this to favourites is nothing like a replacement option, particularly given that if you put these into Favourites, they would simply become another hard to find page as opposed to something which automatically loads and authenticates in the correct profile. Seriously, why would you remove something so useful ? This only goes to reinforce the opinion of most people that Microsoft changes are based on their own expediency, and not on what its audience actually want. KEEP THIS FUNCTIONALITY PLEASE !!!
• We are always told that people learn and work in different ways, people understand and process information differently, some people are visual learners/workers, Yes we could use favourites instead, but shouldn't we have a choice.?! I find the thumbnails/visual much eaiser, quicker and suitable for my type of brain.
• Please do not remove Collections as I am autistic and find it so much easier to navigate than favourites, due to the thumbnails to see at a glance what's what. It would take me a long time to work out a new system for favourites that is even remotely workable and would therefore slow me down even further with finding links that I need accessible quickly when I have claimants in front of me for appointments etc.!

The other feature, recently revealed to be getting the axe, is the sidebar app list. A few days ago, Microsoft updated the associated documentation to indicate that this capability is being retired, too. The reason behind this decision is apparently to simplify Edge, but perhaps, ironically, the Redmond firm has assured users that Copilot is unaffected. New apps can no longer be added to the sidebar, though, and existing apps eventually will be removed, too.

Many people have found it infuriating that an arguably useful feature is being sunset while controversial capabilities like Copilot are being retained in Edge. Many also noted how it's a differentiator against other browsers and keeps them using Edge. Subsequently, the feedback from customers regarding this move isn't pretty either:

• Adding the sidebar is probably the best choice and give Microsoft Edge an advantage from other browsers. Maybe adding it and supporting it back is the best possible choice.
• I’m writing to strongly oppose the removal of the Sidebar app list and quick access feature in Microsoft Edge. This is not a minor UI element—it is a core productivity tool that I rely on every single day. The Sidebar allows me to quickly access frequently used apps without breaking my workflow or opening multiple tabs. Removing it will significantly reduce efficiency and negatively impact my daily usage of Edge. What makes this especially frustrating is that this feature already works well. Removing a useful, stable feature in the name of simplification does not improve the user experience—it limits it. I respectfully request that you do not remove the Sidebar app list. If simplification is necessary, please consider keeping it as an optional feature that users can enable or disable based on their preference. Edge stands out because of features like this. Removing them risks pushing loyal users to alternative browsers. Please reconsider this decision or provide a way to retain the Sidebar functionality.

To Microsoft's credit, it seemingly tried its best to stagger these retirements to reduce the impact of these features. However, the backlash emphasizes how these capabilities are perfectly usable and useful, and don't need to be retired in the first place. Considering that the phased retirement kicked off quite a while ago, it's unlikely that Microsoft will be very responsive to this feedback.