Microsoft Edge is a Chromium-based web browser designed to deliver a fast, secure, and feature-rich browsing experience. With advanced features like tracking prevention, seamless integration with Microsoft services, and support for a wide range of extensions, it’s a compelling option for Ubuntu users. By installing Edge on Ubuntu 24.04, 22.04, or 20.04, you gain access to a browser optimized for performance across platforms, offering a great balance of speed, security, and cross-device functionality.
This guide walks you through the step-by-step process of installing Microsoft Edge using the official Microsoft APT repository. By relying on this secure and trusted method, you ensure access to the latest stable, beta, or dev builds of Edge, empowering you to make the most of its cutting-edge features on your Ubuntu system. Whether you’re looking for a developer-friendly browser or a reliable alternative, this guide has you covered.
Key Features of Microsoft Edge on Ubuntu
Microsoft Edge offers a range of features that make it a compelling choice for Ubuntu users. Here are some of the key benefits you can enjoy:
- Fast and Secure Browsing: Leveraging the Chromium engine, Edge provides blazing-fast performance while incorporating advanced security features to protect your online activity.
- Advanced Tracking Prevention: Built-in tools block third-party trackers by default, enhancing your privacy without compromising functionality.
- Microsoft Services Integration: Enjoy seamless connectivity with tools like Office Online, OneDrive, and Teams, making it ideal for productivity and collaboration.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: Synchronize your browsing experience across devices, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
- Support for Extensions: Access thousands of extensions from both the Chrome Web Store and Microsoft Edge Add-ons to customize your browser.
- Developer Tools: Built with developers in mind, Edge supports Progressive Web Apps (PWAs), advanced debugging tools, and comprehensive web standards.
- Enhanced Performance Optimization: Experience efficient resource usage, making it suitable for older hardware or systems with limited resources.
These features make Microsoft Edge a strong contender as a daily-use browser for Ubuntu users, combining productivity, privacy, and performance in one package.
Install Microsoft Edge on Ubuntu
Step 1: Update Your System
Updating your system ensures that all installed packages are up-to-date and minimizes the risk of compatibility issues during the installation process. Use the following command in your terminal:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgradeThis command performs two actions. The first part, sudo apt update, refreshes your package list to include the latest versions available from the repositories. The second part, sudo apt upgrade, upgrades your installed packages to their latest versions.
If an error occurs during this process, such as broken dependencies, you can resolve the issue by running:
sudo apt --fix-broken installRegular system updates are a best practice and ensure compatibility with the software you intend to install.
Step 2: Install Required Packages
Before adding the Microsoft Edge repository, your system needs essential tools to manage repositories and secure downloads. These tools enable your system to interact with external repositories and validate their content.
Run the following command to install these necessary packages:
sudo apt install software-properties-common apt-transport-https curl ca-certificates -yThis command installs the following:
- software-properties-common: Allows you to manage software repositories on Ubuntu.
- apt-transport-https: Ensures secure communication with repositories via HTTPS.
- curl: A command-line tool for downloading data from web servers.
- ca-certificates: Provides SSL/TLS certificates to verify secure connections.
These packages are essential for downloading and installing software securely from external repositories.
Step 3: Add the Microsoft Edge Repository
Download and add the GPG key
To ensure the authenticity of the packages, you need to add the GPG key from Microsoft. This key verifies that the packages are from a trusted source. Run the following command:
curl -fSsL https://packages.microsoft.com/keys/microsoft.asc | sudo gpg --dearmor | sudo tee /usr/share/keyrings/microsoft-edge.gpg > /dev/nullThe key is securely stored in the /usr/share/keyrings/ directory, allowing your package manager to validate Microsoft Edge packages during installation.
Add the repository to your system
Once the GPG key is added, you need to register the Microsoft Edge repository with your system. Use the following command:
echo 'deb [arch=amd64 signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/microsoft-edge.gpg] https://packages.microsoft.com/repos/edge stable main' | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/microsoft-edge.listThis adds the Microsoft Edge repository to your package manager, making the browser available for installation.
Refresh your package list
After adding the repository, refresh your system’s package list to ensure it recognizes the newly added source:
sudo apt updateThis step updates your package manager with the latest software available, including Microsoft Edge.
Step 4: Install Microsoft Edge Versions
Install the stable version
The stable version is the most reliable and recommended for general use. To install it, run:
sudo apt install microsoft-edge-stableAfter the installation is complete, verify the installed version of Microsoft Edge with the following command:
microsoft-edge --versionThis command will display the installed version of the stable Microsoft Edge browser, confirming the installation was successful.
Install the beta version
If you want early access to upcoming features, you can install the beta version. Keep in mind that this version may include experimental features and might be less stable.
Use the following command to install it:
sudo apt install microsoft-edge-betaOnce installed, verify the version of the beta browser with:
microsoft-edge-beta --versionThis verification step ensures that the beta version was installed correctly and is ready to use.
Install the dev version
For advanced users or developers who need access to experimental features, the dev version provides cutting-edge updates.
Install the Dev version with this command:
sudo apt install microsoft-edge-devAfter the installation, confirm the version of the dev browser by running:
microsoft-edge-dev --versionThis confirmation step ensures the dev version is properly installed and available for use.
Launching Microsoft Edge on Ubuntu
After installing Microsoft Edge, you can launch the browser using either the terminal or the graphical interface, depending on your preference.
Launching from the Terminal
To open Microsoft Edge, use the appropriate command based on the installed version:
- For the stable version
microsoft-edge- For the beta version:
microsoft-edge-beta
- For the dev version
microsoft-edge-devRunning these commands will start the browser immediately from the terminal. This method is particularly useful if you prefer a command-line workflow or need to troubleshoot.
Launching from the Graphical Interface
If you prefer to use the graphical interface, follow these steps to launch Microsoft Edge:
- Open the Applications menu on your Ubuntu desktop.
- Search for Microsoft Edge in the search bar.
- Click on the Microsoft Edge icon to open the browser.
Once launched, you can sign in with your Microsoft account to sync bookmarks, extensions, and settings across devices. This ensures a seamless browsing experience, especially if you use Edge on other platforms.
Updating Microsoft Edge on Ubuntu
Keeping Microsoft Edge up-to-date is essential for accessing new features, maintaining security, and ensuring optimal performance. There are multiple ways to update Microsoft Edge on Ubuntu, from generic system updates to targeted updates for the browser itself.
Updating Your Entire System
The simplest way to ensure all software on your system, including Microsoft Edge, is up-to-date is by running the following commands:
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgradesudo apt updaterefreshes the package list to include the latest available versions from all configured repositories.sudo apt upgradeapplies updates to all installed software, including Microsoft Edge, if an update is available.
This approach ensures your entire system stays current, minimizing security vulnerabilities and software conflicts.
Updating Microsoft Edge Specifically
If you want to update only Microsoft Edge without upgrading other software on your system, use the following commands:
- For the stable version
sudo apt upgrade microsoft-edge-stable- For the beta version:
sudo apt upgrade microsoft-edge-beta- For the dev version:
sudo apt upgrade microsoft-edge-devThese commands explicitly target the installed version of Microsoft Edge, ensuring it is updated while leaving other system packages unchanged. This can be useful if you want to minimize unnecessary upgrades or focus only on critical applications.
Removing Microsoft Edge on Ubuntu
If you decide to uninstall Microsoft Edge, you can follow these steps to remove the browser and all its associated data, ensuring a clean system.
Removing Microsoft Edge
To uninstall Microsoft Edge, use the appropriate command for the version installed on your system:
- For the stable version:
sudo apt remove microsoft-edge-stable- For the beta version:
sudo apt remove microsoft-edge-beta- For the dev version:
sudo apt remove microsoft-edge-stable-devThese commands will remove the respective version of Microsoft Edge from your system. However, this only removes the application itself, not the associated user data.
Removing Microsoft Edge User Data
When uninstalling Microsoft Edge, residual user data such as browsing history, bookmarks, cookies, and cached files may still remain. To delete this data:
Navigate to the configuration directory and remove it:
rm -rf ~/.config/microsoft-edgeIf you installed other versions of Microsoft Edge, delete their respective directories:
rm -rf ~/.config/microsoft-edge-beta
rm -rf ~/.config/microsoft-edge-devRemove cached files used by the browser:
rm -rf ~/.cache/microsoft-edge*These commands ensure all user-specific data related to Microsoft Edge is completely removed from your system.
Removing the Microsoft Edge Repository
To prevent your package manager from attempting to access Microsoft Edge repositories in the future, delete the repository file with the following command:
sudo rm /etc/apt/sources.list.d/microsoft-edge.listDeleting the GPG Key
Finally, remove the GPG key used to verify Microsoft Edge packages:
sudo rm /usr/share/keyrings/microsoft-edge.gpgThese steps completely remove Microsoft Edge and its components from your Ubuntu system.
Managing Conflicting sources.list Files for Microsoft Edge
When installing multiple versions of Microsoft Edge on Ubuntu (e.g., stable, beta, or dev), each version may create its own sources.list file in the /etc/apt/sources.list.d/ directory. These redundant files can cause conflicts, leading to errors or ignored repositories when running apt update.
Follow these steps to identify and resolve this issue, ensuring your system uses the correct repository.
Step 1: Identify and Remove Redundant sources.list Files
First, remove any unnecessary sources.list files created by different versions of Microsoft Edge. These extra files can lead to confusion in the package manager, causing update errors or duplicate entries.
Use this command to safely remove all Microsoft Edge-related sources.list files:
sudo rm /etc/apt/sources.list.d/microsoft-edge*This command removes all files that match the microsoft-edge* pattern in the /etc/apt/sources.list.d/ directory. This ensures that your system no longer references outdated or conflicting repositories.
Removing these files prevents your package manager from fetching updates from incorrect or redundant repositories, ensuring smoother updates and installations.
Step 2: Re-Add the Proper Microsoft Edge Repository
After removing the redundant files, you need to reconfigure your system with the correct Microsoft Edge repository. This ensures that future updates fetch packages from the official source.
Run the following command to add the repository:
echo 'deb [arch=amd64 signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/microsoft-edge.gpg] https://packages.microsoft.com/repos/edge stable main' | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/microsoft-edge.listThis command creates a new sources.list file for Microsoft Edge in the correct format, using the GPG key for secure verification of downloaded packages.
Properly configuring the repository ensures your system uses a secure and trusted source for Microsoft Edge updates.
Step 3: Update the APT Repository List
Once the repository has been re-added, refresh your system’s package list to recognize the new configuration. Run the following command:
sudo apt updateThis command updates the package manager’s database to include the newly added Microsoft Edge repository.
Without updating the package list, your system won’t recognize the changes made in the previous steps, potentially leading to installation or update issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: The stable version of Microsoft Edge is the most reliable and recommended for everyday use, offering fully tested features and updates. The beta version allows users to try out upcoming features before they are officially released, but it may be less stable. The dev version is intended for advanced users or developers and provides access to experimental features and the latest updates, but it is the least stable of the three.
A: Microsoft Edge can be a great alternative depending on your needs. It is Chromium-based, meaning it offers excellent compatibility with modern web standards and access to Chrome Web Store extensions. Features like advanced tracking prevention, seamless integration with Microsoft services, and cross-platform synchronization make it particularly appealing to users who already use other Microsoft products. However, Linux users who prioritize open-source software may prefer alternatives like Firefox.
A: The Microsoft APT repository is the official and recommended source for installing Microsoft Edge on Ubuntu. It ensures that you are downloading a verified and trusted version of the browser directly from Microsoft. Using the repository also makes it easy to receive automatic updates through your system’s package manager, ensuring you always have the latest features and security patches. Other methods, such as manually downloading .deb files, do not offer these benefits and require manual updates.
A: Yes, you can install multiple versions of Microsoft Edge (stable, beta, and dev) on the same Ubuntu system. Each version installs as a separate package and has its own executable, so they do not conflict with each other. However, keep in mind that redundant repository entries may cause issues, so ensure your sources.list files are correctly configured.
Conclusion
Microsoft Edge is a feature-rich, Chromium-based browser that brings modern browsing capabilities to Ubuntu users. This guide has provided clear, step-by-step instructions to help you install, update, and manage Microsoft Edge on your system, whether you prefer the stable, beta, or dev version. By following these steps, you can enjoy a secure, fast, and seamless browsing experience that integrates well with your Linux setup.
If you decide Edge isn’t for you, this guide also ensures you can completely remove it, including its data, leaving your system clean and optimized. Whether you’re a developer, casual user, or someone exploring browser alternatives, this guide is designed to meet your needs without unnecessary complexity.
Useful Links for Installing and Using Microsoft Edge on Ubuntu
- Microsoft Edge Official Website
Learn more about Microsoft Edge, its features, and the latest updates directly from the official site. - Microsoft Edge Support
Find troubleshooting guides, FAQs, and official help for using Microsoft Edge on all platforms, including Linux. - Edge Insider Community Forums
Join discussions with other users and developers about Microsoft Edge, including beta and dev versions for Linux. - Microsoft Feedback Portal
Submit feedback or report issues directly to Microsoft to improve the Edge experience on Linux.
Share Your Thoughts
Have you installed Microsoft Edge on Ubuntu? How has your experience been so far? Did you encounter any challenges, or do you have tips to share with other users? Leave a comment below to help others and contribute to the Linux community!