How to Install Microsoft Edge on Rocky Linux 9/8

Microsoft Edge is a fast and secure web browser that offers a seamless browsing experience with various modern features, including built-in security tools, cross-device synchronization, and an extensive collection of extensions. It is designed to enhance productivity and provide a robust browsing environment.

The following guide will demonstrate installing Microsoft Edge on Rocky Linux 9 or 8 using command-line commands. The installation methods involve using Microsoft’s RPM for the latest official Dev, Beta, and Stable builds or the alternative Flatpak with the Flathub repository.

Method 1: Install Microsoft Edge via Microsoft’s RPM

Update Rocky Linux Before Microsoft Edge Installation

As a precautionary measure, running an update on your system before installing the Edge browser is important. This will ensure that all packages are up-to-date and help prevent conflicts during installation.

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

Import Microsoft Edge RPM

To install Microsoft Edge on your Rocky Linux 9 or 8 workstation desktop, you must import the GPG Key for the RPM Import.

You can use the following command in your terminal to import the key.

sudo rpm --import https://packages.microsoft.com/keys/microsoft.asc

After importing the GPG Key, you must add the Microsoft Edge repository to your system. This repository contains the package files for the browser, and it will allow you to install and update the software.

You can use the following command in your terminal to add the repository.

sudo dnf config-manager --add-repo https://packages.microsoft.com/yumrepos/edge

Install Microsoft Edge via DNF Command

With the GPG key and repository in place, you can install the stable version of Microsoft Edge, which is the recommended option for most users. This version is considered the most stable and receives regular updates with bug fixes and security patches.

You can install the stable version using the following command in your terminal.

sudo dnf install microsoft-edge-stable

Optional: Install Microsoft Edge Beta and Dev Builds

One alternative to consider is installing the beta version of Microsoft Edge before moving on to the dev (nightly) version.

Install Microsoft Edge Beta

The beta version is in the testing phase before it’s released to the stable version, so it offers newer features, but it may not be as stable as the stable version. This approach allows you to test new features while maintaining a stable environment.

sudo dnf install microsoft-edge-beta

Install Microsoft Edge Dev

Another option is to install the dev (nightly) build of Microsoft Edge, the latest version with the most recent features and developments. However, it is essential to note that this version may be unstable, depending on your intended usage. It’s intended for developers and early adopters who want to test the latest features and report bugs to the development team.

sudo dnf install microsoft-edge-dev

It’s important to note that the beta or dev (nightly) builds will be installed separately and will not replace your stable version of Microsoft Edge. This allows you to switch between different browser versions depending on your needs.

Method 2: Install Microsoft Edge via Flatpak and Flathub

This method explains installing Microsoft Edge on Rocky Linux 9 or 8 using Flatpak and Flathub. Note that the Flatpak method offers only two versions of Microsoft Edge: stable and dev. To access the beta version, you must use the Microsoft RPM method described in the previous section.

Understanding Flatpak and Flathub on Rocky Linux

Flatpak serves as a universal package management system in the Linux domain. Its underlying principle is to make applications run seamlessly across diverse Linux distributions. It achieves this by isolating applications in individual environments and eliminating potential system library conflicts.

Flathub complements Flatpak. It’s an application repository that hosts apps packaged with Flatpak. Acting as a centralized platform, Flathub enables users to search for, locate, and install numerous applications.

Setting Up Flathub for Microsoft Edge

Before proceeding with the installation, ensuring the Flathub repository is integrated with your system is vital. Having Flathub set up is fundamental since it provides a gateway to many applications, including Microsoft Edge.

To enable the Flathub repository, execute the command below:

sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

Executing this command ensures your system’s capability to tap into the wide range of applications that Flathub offers.

Install Microsoft Edge

With Flathub configured and operational, installing Microsoft Edge on your Rocky Linux system becomes straightforward. Utilize the flatpak install command to commence the installation:

flatpak install flathub com.microsoft.Edge

After successfully executing the above command, Microsoft Edge will be integrated and operational on your Rocky Linux platform.

Install Microsoft Edge Dev Version

If your requirements lean towards the developmental side or you wish to test upcoming features, consider installing the Microsoft Edge dev (nightly) version. Execute the command below to achieve this:

flatpak install flathub com.microsoft.EdgeDev

Note: Like the DNF method, both browsers can be installed side-by-side if you want to use both.

Launch Microsoft Edge

Once the installation is complete, you can launch Microsoft Edge in several different ways. One way is to use the following command in the terminal: This will open the browser directly from the command line.

## stable ##

microsoft-edge
microsoft-edge-stable

## beta ##

microsoft-edge-beta

## dev ##

microsoft-edge-dev

Alternatively, Flatpak installations of Edge need to use one of the following commands:

## stable ##
flatpak run com.microsoft.Edge

## dev ##

flatpak run com.microsoft.EdgeDev

For most desktop users, opening a terminal each time to launch the Microsoft Edge browser is impractical. Accessing the application icon is a more convenient way to launch the browser. This can usually be found in the applications menu or by searching for it in the search bar. Once you locate the icon, click on it to launch the browser. To make it even more convenient, you can pin it to the taskbar or dock for easy access by right-clicking the icon and selecting the “Pin to taskbar” or “Pin to dock” option.

Activities > Show Applications > Microsoft Edge {browser version}.

You will be presented with the following screen upon opening Microsoft Edge for the first time.

You can uncheck or leave the setting, then click the OK button to continue. After this, you will be presented with three options: Inspiration, Informational, or Focused. Each option will give you a preview of what the view will look like as the background in your Edge browser. Select your preferred option and click the confirm button to proceed.

Lastly, you will be given the option to sign in and sync your data across multiple devices. However, if you do not need this feature, click the “X” button in the top right-hand corner.

With all the steps completed, you can now access the Microsoft Edge internet browser, as shown below.

Additional Microsoft Edge Commands

Update Microsoft Edge

To ensure you have the latest version of the Microsoft Edge Internet Browser installed on your system, you can use the DNF update command in the terminal, just as you would when checking for updates for your entire system. This command will check for any available updates for Edge and prompt you to install them if any are found. It is recommended to run this command regularly to stay up-to-date with the latest features and security fixes.

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

Alternatively, you can check for updates on all Flatpak installations, which, if you installed Microsoft Edge via Flatpak, will include this application:

flatpak update

Remove (Uninstall) Microsoft Edge

DNF Remove Method for Microsoft Edge

If you no longer need the Microsoft Edge browser on your system, you can remove it by executing the following command. This command will thoroughly uninstall the application and any associated files from your system.

sudo dnf remove microsoft-edge-stable -y

Alternatively, if you have installed beta or unstable alternative versions of the Microsoft Edge browser on your system, you can use the following command. This command will remove those specific versions and their associated files, leaving your stable version of the browser intact.

sudo dnf remove microsoft-edge-beta -y

sudo dnf remove microsoft-edge-stable-dev -y

If you do not plan to reinstall the Microsoft Edge browser, you must remove the associated repository. To do this, execute the following command.

sudo rm /etc/yum.repos.d/microsoft-edge-beta.repo
sudo rm /etc/yum.repos.d/microsoft-edge-dev.repo
sudo rm /etc/yum.repos.d/microsoft-edge.repo

Flatpak Remove Method for Microsoft Edge on Rocky Linux

For users that installed Microsoft Edge on Rocky Linux via Flatpak, use one of the following commands to remove the version of Edge you installed:

flatpak uninstall com.microsoft.Edge

flatpak uninstall com.microsoft.EdgeDev

Conclusion

Installing Microsoft Edge on Rocky Linux is straightforward, whether you choose the stable, beta, or dev version. This guide covered all the steps, from installation to updates and removal. Microsoft Edge brings improved speed, performance, and security, along with support for extensions and 4K streaming. It’s a solid browser choice to enhance productivity on your Rocky Linux desktop.