Google Chrome is one of the most popular web browsers that keep our browsing activities secure. It is a cross-platform browser developed by Google that was initially released in 2008 on the Windows platform. With each new update, Chrome gets better and more secure, which allows you to get things done and stay safe online. Google Chrome has some additional benefits, like faster browsing, more secure browsing, and less resource usage compared to other browsers.
Did you know Google Chrome also features a side panel that allows you to quickly perform a search without leaving the window? Yes, you heard that right.
In this post, we will be learning all about the Google Chrome sidebar, what it does and how you can enable it on the web browser to enhance your user experience.
Let’s get started.
Also read: Top 6 Chrome Extensions to View & Organize Browsing History
What is a Chrome Side Panel? What Does it Do?
Google Chrome side panel can help you be more productive and improve your workflow. It allows you to easily browse the search results without opening a new tab. Let’s understand it with the help of an example.
Suppose you are working on a Chrome tab. Now, if you want to search for something, you must open a new tab, right? Once you enable the Chrome side search panel, you can quickly search anything and eliminate the need to open a new tab. Amazing, isn’t it?
The Google Chrome sidebar is a default feature on Chrome. However, you cannot explicitly find it in the settings section. As the sidebar is a controlled rollout on the browser, you can enable it through Chome’s hidden flags.
Our next section briefly explains how you can enable Chrome panels on your browser.
Also read: Slow Download Speed on Chrome? Here’s the Fix!
How to Enable Google Chrome Side Panel?
To add a quick search shortcut on your favorite browser, follow these steps:
Launch Chrome on your Windows PC. Enter the following path in the address bar:
chrome://flags/
A new window will now open on the screen. Type “Side Search” in the search bar. Once the results are displayed, use the drop-down menu and select “Enabled” to enable the Chrome sidebar.
After making the above-listed changes, hit on the “Relaunch” button.
Once the Chrome sidebar flag is added to the browser, you will see a new “Google” icon on the window’s top-left corner.
Now, tap on this Google icon whenever you need to enable the Chrome side panel. As soon as you tap on the icon, the Google Chrome sidebar section will appear in the window.
Also read: 6 Chrome Extensions to Make Reading Online Articles Better
How to Disable the Google Chrome Sidebar?
Launch Chrome and enter the following path in the address bar:
chrome://flags/
Search for “Side Search.” Use the drop-down menu and select “Disabled.”
Hit on the “Relaunch” button to save the recent changes.
Conclusion
Chrome is packed with a lot of customization features that are hidden deep within Settings. So fellas, here’s how you can manage the Chrome side search panel to optimize your user experience. You can easily navigate the Chrome hidden flags section to enable/disable this feature.
Do you think this feature can make you more productive while browsing Chrome? Do let us know what you think about this utility feature. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section. Follow us on social media – Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.