---
title: Configure the contextual sidebar
description: Configure whether the sidebar is open or closed by default for users in your instance.
locale: en-US
canonical_url: https://www.servicenow.com/docs/r/australia/industrial-connected-workforce/configure-contextual-sidebar.html
release: australia
topic_type: task
last_updated: "2026-03-12"
reading_time_minutes: 1
breadcrumb: [Configure, Industrial Connected Workforce Core, Industrial Connected Workforce]
---

# Configure the contextual sidebar

Configure whether the sidebar is open or closed by default for users in your instance.

## Before you begin

Role required: sn\_icw.application\_admin

## About this task

The sidebar tab that contains Agent assist, Recommended Actions, attachments, and other additional information for the record is by default not open. To change settings and make it open by default across the instance, follow the instructions provided here.

## Procedure

1.  Navigate to **All** > **User Administration** > **User Preferences**.

2.  Select **New**.

3.  On the User Preference record form, fill in the fields.

    For a description of the field values, see [User preference form](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ServiceNow/ServiceNowDocs/australia/markdown/australia/industrial-connected-workforce/contextual-sidebar-form.md).

4.  Select **Submit**.


## Result

The new user preference record is displayed in the list of user preferences.

**Parent Topic:**[Configuring ICW Core](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ServiceNow/ServiceNowDocs/australia/markdown/australia/industrial-connected-workforce/configuring-icw-core.md)