Microsoft may soon let you hide the Bing icon from Edge

Microsoft Edge on Start menu
(Image credit: Future)

What you need to know

  • An update to Microsoft Edge added Bing Chat and other Bing features to the browser.
  • Those features are housed within the Sidebar and the shortcut to access them is the Bing icon.
  • Some have criticized the icon for being too prominent and the fact that it cannot be hidden.
  • Microsoft is testing an option to hide the Bing icon in Edge.

Microsoft announced the new Bing powered by ChatGPT earlier this year. Alongside that announcement, the tech giant unveiled an updated version of Microsoft Edge that includes Bing within the Sidebar. That update has since rolled out to Edge stable, bringing Bing to more users.

While the new Bing features impressive AI technology, some dislike how it is presented within Microsoft Edge. The shortcut to open Bing within the Sidebar is a large blue Bing icon (officially it's called the Discover). Some consider it too prominent and want to remove it.

It is possible to hide the Bing icon within Edge already, but it requires a registry edit. Microsoft is testing a new option that's much more user-friendly.

Leo Verela, who keeps a close eye on features for Microsoft Edge, spotted an option to hide the Bing icon in Edge. He shared some screenshots on Reddit, as well as details about the option. Those using Edge Canary can already hide the icon with a toggle. Assuming all goes well with testing, there's a good chance that Microsoft will ship the option to everyone in the near future.

New Bing on Microsoft Edge

The Bing icon on the Microsoft Edge Toolbar has drawn some criticism. (Image credit: Future)

When Microsoft announced the new Bing, there was a wait list to try out the revamped search engine. It seems that may be changing. Multiple members of our team have been able to sign up for the new Bing without waiting.

Microsoft Edge setting to hide the Bing icon in Edge

Microsoft is testing an option to hide the Bing icon in Edge. (Image credit: Leo Verela via Reddit)

If you use the new Bing, you'll be using GPT-4, the newly announced Large Language Model from OpenAI. Microsoft recently confirmed that the new Bing is powered by GPT-4.

Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He's covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean's journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.