The new sidebar in the Firefox browser, which initially came in the nightly build version 131 and is now available in the stable versions 133 and 134, is highly debated among users. Even though some of them enjoy the new functionality, others find it either annoying or unnecessary, thus they are trying to figure out how to get rid of it. This guide explains two successful ways of disabling the sidebar, allowing users to return to their preferred browsing experience.
Overview of Firefox’s New Sidebar
The new sidebar in Firefox, which combines the tools, bookmarks, history, and vertical tabs all in one place, thus improving accessibility, is introduced. Although it is very useful, many users argue that it displaces the typical browsing flow. This guide covers two simple ways to clear or disable the sidebar functionality, which is appropriate for users who crave simplicity in a user interface.
Methods to Remove the Sidebar in Firefox
Via Sidebar Settings Menu
It is the use of the Firefox graphical user interface that hides and eliminates the sidebar from the toolbar.
- Open the Sidebar Menu:
- Click on the sidebar icon in the browser’s top left corner.
- Show/Hide Sidebar:
- The “Show and Hide Sidebar” function should be found under the “Sidebar Button” section in the menu that pops up.
- Hide the sidebar by choosing this option.
- Remove from Toolbar:
- Right-click on the sidebar icon.
Via about:config Page
The advanced about:config technique helps users from the difficulty of changing one or even all of the settings they want for the browser.
- Access
about:config:- In the address bar of the browser, enter
about:configand hit the enter button. - Click on Accept the Risk and Continue to Advance.
- In the address bar of the browser, enter
- Search for Sidebar Setting:
- In the search box, key
sidebar.revampin and press the enter button.
- In the search box, key
- Toggle the Setting:
- Locate the
sidebar.revampparameter. - Press the toggle button to change its value from true to false.
- Locate the
- Restart Firefox:
- Shut down the browser and launch it again to observe the changes.
Therefore, the method serves to remove the sidebar, which is a long-term solution that hinders its reappearance in the future.
Conclusion
The first one is interface customization whereas the second one is setting the system to the desired configuration. Hence the removal of the sidebar is not difficult. There are two kinds of users: some that want it easier and some that like advanced features; the first group can accomplish this by using the settings, whereas the second group is going to find out how to configure about:config. The steps explained in this article will enable you to customize Firefox to your satisfaction. If there are issues you come across or should any further questions arise, please let us know in the comments.