- Edge allows you to switch between horizontal and vertical tabs with a button, shortcut, or from Appearance.
- You can hide the title bar, collapse, or dock the panel to optimize space.
- Side history and performance improvements speed up working with many tabs.
If your browser has suddenly changed the tab row to a list on the side, don't worry: it's not a bug, it's just Microsoft Edge 's vertical tabs . This view can be activated accidentally with a click or keyboard shortcut, and it's normal to prefer the traditional horizontal layout.
This guide shows you all the ways to remove or re-enable vertical tabs, both on the fly and through the settings. We also cover key options like hiding the title bar, collapsing or pinning the panel , and summarize recent Edge and Bing updates that improve the overall browser experience.
What are Edge vertical tabs and why do they appear?
Microsoft introduced vertical tabs to save space and improve clarity when you have many pages open. In this view, the left column displays favicons, and hovering the mouse over each tab reveals its full name , preventing overlaps and making it easier to identify each site.
Switching between the classic horizontal toolbar and the vertical column is instantaneous: simply click the button in the top left corner of Edge . If you clicked it by mistake, that's probably why the tabs appeared on the side.
The feature became particularly well-rounded starting with Microsoft Edge version 93.0.94, which introduced the option to use vertical tabs without a title bar. This improvement reduces the browser's "frame" and makes better use of the screen's height , which is especially useful on laptops.
Along with this new feature, other changes are worth noting. Edge now allows you to open your History as a drop-down panel on the right , so you can view visited pages without leaving the current tab. And in terms of performance, after a restart, the browser can launch between 29% and 41% faster, according to Microsoft.
There are also new features in Bing that integrate with Edge: more visual results organized by topic, and an image search similar to Google Lens , with element recognition in photos. All of this enhances the search experience without leaving the Microsoft ecosystem.
How to activate or remove vertical tabs instantly
If you just want to quickly switch between portrait and landscape views, there are several convenient shortcuts. You can use a button, the context menu, or a keyboard shortcut , whichever feels most natural to you.
- Button in the upper left corner: One click and you can switch from portrait to landscape (or vice versa) instantly.
- Tab bar context menu: Right-click on the tab bar and choose “Enable vertical tabs” or “Disable vertical tabs.”
- Keyboard shortcut: Press CTRL + SHIFT + , to switch between tab modes without touching the mouse.
Important: The same shortcut, CTRL + SHIFT + , works for both activating and deactivating . Repeating it will switch between modes instantly.
When vertical tabs are enabled, you'll see a small panel on the left. If you don't like it or it gets in the way, you can remove it in a second using the same shortcut or by right-clicking on the panel and selecting "Disable."
If you've just started using Edge or recently updated it, this view might have been activated during a trial or after accidentally tapping the icon. Don't worry: you can switch back to horizontal tabs whenever you want using any of the three methods above.
Disable them from Settings and Appearance
If you prefer to adjust the behavior from the options panel, Edge offers a dedicated toggle within Appearance . This path is useful if you want to ensure the vertical tabs button is hidden or if you're configuring the browser for multiple users.
- Open Microsoft Edge and click the three dots button in the top right corner.
- In the menu, go to Configuration and then choose Appearance.
- Within Appearance, locate the option “Show vertical tabs” and disable it. Restart Edge if you want to confirm that everything is as you like.
On the official forums, Microsoft moderators often ask for the Edge build number to refine the diagnosis when unusual behavior is present. If you notice that the switch is missing or not working, check your browser version and update to the latest version from Help and feedback > About Microsoft Edge, or see what to do if Edge isn't loading pages.
This path through Settings is especially useful if you share a computer or manage computers in the office. This way you can define the appearance consistently and avoid accidental changes due to clicks or shortcuts.
Hide or show the title bar, collapse and dock the panel
An additional advantage of vertical tabs, introduced in versions like 93.0.94, is the ability to hide the title bar. By doing so, Edge gains valuable extra pixels of height , especially on smaller screens.
To hide or show the title bar when in portrait view: right-click on the tab panel and select “Hide title bar” or “Show title bar” , as needed.
Additionally, the sidebar has two useful modes. “Collapse panel” minimizes the column and leaves only the icons , freeing up space for the web while keeping tabs within easy reach.
If you prefer the list to remain open, use the "Pin panel" option to keep each tab's title visible . This is ideal when managing multiple pages at once and need to see where each one is at a glance.
As you can see, it's not just a matter of turning them on or off. Vertical tabs are quite configurable, allowing you to adjust the spacing and readability based on your screen and browsing habits.
New features and improvements that accompany this feature
The arrival of vertical tabs didn't come alone. Microsoft Edge also added a more practical History in the right sidebar , which works like a drop-down panel to review visited pages without losing focus.
In terms of performance, Microsoft reported that, after restarting, Edge could launch between 29% and 41% faster than before . This, combined with the vertical view, makes working with multiple tabs much more efficient.
At the same time, Bing has introduced a clearer presentation of results. Instead of a simple list of links, it organizes information into thematic blocks (for example, recipes) so you can find what you need faster.
It also includes integrated image recognition similar to Google Lens . You can select elements within a photo and search for similar items, all within the browser, which is useful for shopping or visual identification.
This entire set of changes strengthens the Edge + Bing partnership. The idea is to make browsing, searching, and managing tabs more convenient without relying on extensions or external tools.
Quick tips to avoid getting lost in the change
If you frequently switch between modes, memorize the main shortcut: CTRL + SHIFT + , . It's the fastest way to activate or deactivate vertical tabs without touching the mouse.
When you're in portrait view, remember that you can collapse the panel and leave only the icons if you find the width bothersome. Hovering your mouse over the panel will temporarily expand it so you can see the full titles.
If you like the vertical view but want to clean up the interface, apply the option to hide the title bar from the panel's context menu . This will free up space for page content.
On shared computers, configure the appearance from Settings > Appearance. This will prevent other users from accidentally turning the view on or off with the button or shortcut.
If a setting is missing, it might be due to a version issue. Check that Edge is up to date in Help and feedback > About Microsoft Edge to enable the latest features.
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