How to Install Microsoft Edge on Ubuntu 24.04, 22.04, or 20.04 - LinuxCapable (2024)

Initially developed for Windows, Microsoft Edge has expanded its horizons to become a versatile browser for various operating systems, including Ubuntu. Its adoption in the Linux community is growing, thanks to a blend of familiar features and new, innovative tools designed for an efficient browsing experience. Edge stands out with its:

• Performance Efficiency: Optimized for speed, Edge provides a smooth browsing experience even on resource-limited devices.
• Enhanced Security: With features like SmartScreen and tracking prevention, Edge prioritizes user safety online.
• Cross-Platform Compatibility: Seamlessly sync bookmarks, passwords, and extensions across devices and operating systems.
• Web Standards Support: Excellent compatibility with modern web technologies ensures a wide range of websites and applications work flawlessly.
• Customization Options: Personalize your browsing experience with various themes, extensions, and privacy settings.

With these key features highlighted, let’s delve into the main article on installing Microsoft Edge on Ubuntu.

Prerequisites for Installing Microsoft Edge on Ubuntu

To successfully install Microsoft Edge on Ubuntu, ensure you meet the following requirements:

System Requirements and Supported Ubuntu Versions

Additional Requirements

Update Ubuntu Before Microsoft Edge Installation

Before installing Microsoft Edge on Ubuntu 24.04, 22.04, or 20.04, it’s crucial to update your system. This step ensures that all packages are current, minimizing potential conflicts during the Edge installation. Execute the command below in your terminal to update your system:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

This command initiates two distinct actions. sudo apt update refreshes the list of available packages and their versions, but it doesn’t install or upgrade any packages. sudo apt upgrade, on the other hand, actually installs newer versions of the packages you have. By running these commands together, you ensure your system is fully up-to-date.

Install Essential Packages for Microsoft Edge

After updating your system, the next step is to install the necessary packages required for Microsoft Edge installation. These packages ensure a smooth setup process. Use the following command in your terminal to install them:

sudo apt install software-properties-common apt-transport-https curl ca-certificates -y

This command installs several key packages:

• software-properties-common: This package provides tools for managing the software sources in Ubuntu.
• apt-transport-https: It enables the Advanced Package Tool (APT) to use the ‘https’ protocol for secure communication.
• curl: This command-line tool supports data transfer with URLs, essential for fetching data from servers.
• ca-certificates: This package includes essential public key certificates crucial for verifying SSL/TLS connections.

These packages not only facilitate the installation of Microsoft Edge but are also fundamental for numerous other installations and operations on almost all Linux distributions.

Import Microsoft Edge APT Repository on Ubuntu

To install Microsoft Edge on Ubuntu, it’s essential to import the Microsoft Edge repository first. This lets you download and install Microsoft Edge using Ubuntu’s package manager.

Begin by downloading the GPG key, which is necessary to verify the authenticity of the Microsoft Edge package. Execute this command in your terminal:

curl -fSsL https://packages.microsoft.com/keys/microsoft.asc | sudo gpg --dearmor | sudo tee /usr/share/keyrings/microsoft-edge.gpg > /dev/null

This command fetches the GPG key and securely stores it in the /usr/share/keyrings/ directory under the name microsoft-edge.gpg.

Next, integrate the Microsoft Edge repository into your system with this 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.list

This command creates a new file named microsoft-edge.list in the /etc/apt/sources.list.d/ directory, effectively adding the Microsoft Edge repository.

Finally, update your system’s repository list to include the newly added Microsoft Edge repository:

sudo apt update

Running this command refreshes your repository list, making Microsoft Edge available for installation through the Ubuntu package manager.

Finalize Microsoft Edge Browser Installation

After adding the Microsoft Edge repository, you’re set to install the browser. Microsoft Edge offers stable, beta, and dev (nightly) versions.

Install the Stable Version of Microsoft Edge

For most users, the stable version is the recommended choice. To install it, use this command:

sudo apt install microsoft-edge-stable

This command installs the stable version of Microsoft Edge on your Ubuntu system. To confirm the version and build of Microsoft Edge, run:

microsoft-edge -version

Install Microsoft Edge Beta or Dev (Nightly) Versions

For users interested in the latest features, the Beta or Dev versions are available. However, these versions are less stable and not recommended for daily use on primary devices or production servers.

Install Microsoft Edge Beta Version

To install the Beta version, use this command:

sudo apt install microsoft-edge-beta

Verify the installed Beta version with:

microsoft-edge-beta --version

Install Microsoft Edge Dev (Nightly) Version

To install the Dev (Nightly) version, which includes the newest features and updates, use:

sudo apt install microsoft-edge-dev

Confirm the installation of the Dev version with:

microsoft-edge-dev --version

Launch Microsoft Edge Browser

After installing Microsoft Edge on your Ubuntu system, you have multiple ways to open it, either via the terminal or through the graphical interface.

Launching Microsoft Edge Using the Terminal

To open the stable version of Microsoft Edge through the terminal, enter:

microsoft-edge

For the Beta version, use:

microsoft-edge-beta

And for the Dev (Nightly) version, the command is:

microsoft-edge-dev

Launching Microsoft Edge via the Graphical Interface

For users who prefer a graphical interface, launching Microsoft Edge is straightforward:

1. Click on the Applications menu on your Ubuntu desktop.
2. Type “Microsoft Edge” in the search bar.
3. Click on the Microsoft Edge icon to open the browser.

Managing Microsoft Edge

Updating Microsoft Edge

Regularly updating Microsoft Edge is crucial for accessing new features and maintaining security. Perform these updates on Ubuntu with the following steps:

Update the System for Edge

First, check for updates using the APT update command:

sudo apt update

Then, apply any available updates with the upgrade option:

sudo apt upgrade

Update Specific Versions of Microsoft Edge

Use the appropriate command for your version to update only the Microsoft Edge package. For the stable version:

sudo apt upgrade microsoft-edge-stable

For updating the Beta or Dev versions of Microsoft Edge:

sudo apt upgrade microsoft-edge-betasudo apt upgrade microsoft-edge-dev

Removing Microsoft Edge

If you decide to uninstall Microsoft Edge from your Ubuntu system, follow these steps:

Remove Installed Versions of Microsoft Edge

Use the relevant command for the version installed:

Firstly, for the Microsoft Edge Stable version:

sudo apt remove microsoft-edge-stable

Secondly, Microsoft Edge Beta:

sudo apt remove microsoft-edge-beta

Lastly, Microsoft Edge Dev:

sudo apt remove microsoft-edge-stable-dev

Remove Repository and GPG Key

After uninstalling, remove the previously imported Microsoft Edge repository:

sudo rm /etc/apt/sources.list.d/microsoft-edge.list

Also, delete the imported GPG key:

sudo rm /usr/share/keyrings/microsoft-edge.gpg

These steps completely remove Microsoft Edge and its components from your Ubuntu system.

Managing Conflicting Sources List Files for Microsoft Edge on Ubuntu

Understanding the Issue with Multiple sources.list Files

When installing different versions of Microsoft Edge on Ubuntu, each version may inadvertently create its own sources.list file in the /etc/apt/sources.list.d/ directory. These additional files often conflict with the correctly configured source list, potentially leading to update errors or ignored sources during apt update.

Step-by-Step Solution to Resolve Conflicts

Identifying and Removing Redundant sources.list Files

The first step is to remove these unnecessary Microsoft Edge sources.list files. This action ensures that your system only refers to the correct and previously set up repository. Use the following command to safely remove these files:

sudo rm /etc/apt/sources.list.d/microsoft-edge*

This command targets explicitly and removes any sources.list files related to Microsoft, including those created by different Edge installations.

Re-Adding the Proper Microsoft Edge Repository

After cleaning up the redundant files, it’s crucial to re-establish the correct Microsoft Edge repository. This action will align your system with the setup outlined in this guide. Re-add the repository using this 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.list

This command creates a new sources.list file specifically for Microsoft Edge, ensuring your system fetches updates from the correct, verified source.

Updating the APT Repository List

Finally, to apply these changes, update your APT repository list:

sudo apt update

This command refreshes your system’s package list, which is now correctly sourced from the re-added Microsoft Edge repository.

That wraps up our guide on installing and managing Microsoft Edge on Ubuntu. From setting up the initial installation to customizing your experience and troubleshooting common issues, we’ve covered the essentials to ensure a smooth integration of this versatile browser into your Ubuntu setup. Remember, keeping Edge updated is key for security and accessing the latest features. And if you ever need to adjust or remove your installation, the steps we’ve discussed will guide you through. Happy browsing with Microsoft Edge on your Ubuntu system!

Useful Links

Here are some valuable links related to using Microsoft Edge:

• Microsoft Edge Official Website: Visit the official Microsoft Edge website for information about the browser, its features, and download options.
• Microsoft Edge Documentation: Access comprehensive documentation for detailed guides on installing, configuring, and using Microsoft Edge.