How to Install Microsoft Edge on Linux Mint 21/20

Microsoft Edge is a modern and feature-rich web browser developed by Microsoft. Since its debut in 2015, Edge has come a long way, incorporating the Chromium engine and offering many features, making it a strong contender in the browser market. As a Linux Mint user, you might be intrigued to switch from the default Firefox browser to Microsoft Edge. This introduction highlights the key differences and advantages of switching so that you can make an informed decision.

Why Consider Microsoft Edge?

1. Performance: Microsoft Edge is known for its fast performance, thanks to the Chromium engine. This means websites and web applications load quickly, providing a smooth browsing experience.
2. Compatibility: Being built on the Chromium engine, Edge enjoys excellent compatibility with modern web technologies and websites, ensuring a seamless browsing experience across various platforms.
3. Security: Microsoft Edge emphasizes security, offering features such as SmartScreen, which helps protect users from phishing and malware. Additionally, Edge provides regular updates and patches to stay ahead of potential threats.
4. Privacy: Edge offers comprehensive privacy settings, allowing users to customize their browsing experience to suit their preferences. With features like tracking prevention, Edge aims to minimize the amount of data collected by websites and advertisers.
5. Cross-platform syncing: Microsoft Edge supports syncing across multiple devices and platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. This means you can access your bookmarks, history, passwords, and more across all your devices, providing a seamless experience.
6. Integration with Microsoft services: If you’re a user of Microsoft services such as Office 365 or OneDrive, Edge offers seamless integration, making it easier to access and manage your documents and files.
7. Extensions: Microsoft Edge supports many extensions, including those available in the Chrome Web Store. This allows users to further customize their browser experience with various tools and features.

Given these differences and advantages, Linux Mint users might find switching from Firefox to Microsoft Edge worthwhile. The following guide will demonstrate how to install Microsoft Edge on Linux Mint 21 or Linux Mint 20 distribution using Microsoft’s official apt repository that contains the latest stable, beta, or dev browser versions.

Step 1: Import Microsoft Edge Repository

Update Linux Mint

Before starting the installation process, updating your Linux Mint system is crucial. This ensures that all existing packages are up-to-date, which can help prevent potential issues during the installation.

To update your system, run the following command:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

Install Packages

Microsoft Edge requires certain packages to be installed on your system for success. These packages include essential tools and libraries that allow the browser to function properly. Even if you believe these packages are already installed, running the command below will not cause any harm to your system.

Install the required packages using this command:

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

These packages are common dependencies for various applications, so having them on your system is beneficial.

Import Microsoft Edge GPG Key

A GPG key is necessary for verifying the authenticity of the Microsoft Edge package, ensuring that it has not been tampered with or altered in any way. This step involves downloading the GPG key from Microsoft’s official package repository.

To download and import the GPG key, execute the following command:

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

Import the Microsoft Edge Repository

With the GPG key successfully imported, the next step is to add the Microsoft Edge repository to your system. This lets you install and update the browser directly from Microsoft’s official package repository, ensuring you can always access the latest version.

Add the Microsoft Edge repository by running 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.list

Step 2: Install Microsoft Edge Browser

Now that you have successfully set up the Microsoft Edge repository on your system, it’s time to install the browser itself. Before doing so, update your sources list to include the newly added repository by running the following command:

sudo apt update

Microsoft Edge is available in three different versions: stable, beta, and dev (nightly). The stable version is recommended for most users, as it provides a reliable and thoroughly tested browsing experience. However, if you want to try out new features or test upcoming releases, you can install the beta or dev versions.

Installing Microsoft Edge Stable Version

To install the stable version of Microsoft Edge, run the following command:

sudo apt install microsoft-edge-stable

Installing Microsoft Edge Beta Version

If you want to install the beta version of Microsoft Edge, which offers early access to new features and improvements, use the following command:

sudo apt install microsoft-edge-beta

Installing Microsoft Edge Dev (Nightly) Version

Lastly, for developers or advanced users who want to install the latest dev release, which is updated frequently and may be less stable, execute the following command:

sudo apt install microsoft-edge-dev

Step 3: Launch Microsoft Edge Browser

Once your preferred Microsoft Edge version is installed, you have a couple of options for launching the browser.

Launching Microsoft Edge from the Terminal

You can start Microsoft Edge using terminal commands. Depending on the version you installed, use one of the following commands in your terminal:

microsoft-edge

Launching Microsoft Edge from the Desktop

While using terminal commands is an option, it might not be the most practical way to launch the browser. Instead, you can easily access Microsoft Edge through the desktop environment:

1. Navigate to the Taskbar.
2. Click on the “Internet” category.
3. Locate the “Edge {version}” option, where “{version}” corresponds to the installed version of Microsoft Edge (stable, beta, or dev).
4. Click on the appropriate option to launch the browser.

Example of Microsoft Edge browser versions on the Linux Mint taskbar:

Step 4: Getting Started with Microsoft Edge

After successfully installing Microsoft Edge on your Linux Mint system, it’s time to learn about some useful tips and customizations to enhance your browsing experience. This section of the guide will cover general tips, customization options, and other helpful information to get you started with Microsoft Edge on Linux Mint.

General Tips for Using Microsoft Edge on Linux Mint

1. Importing Bookmarks and Settings: When switching from another browser, you can easily import your bookmarks and settings to Microsoft Edge. Go to the settings menu (click on the three-dot icon in the top-right corner), then select “Settings” > “Profiles” > “Import browser data.” Choose the source browser and the data you want to import.
2. Sync Your Data: Microsoft Edge allows you to sync your bookmarks, passwords, history, and settings across devices. To enable sync, sign in with your Microsoft account by clicking on the profile icon in the top-right corner, then follow the prompts to sign in or create a new account. Next, go to “Settings” > “Profiles” > “Sync,” and choose the data you want to sync.
3. Dark Mode: To enable dark mode in Microsoft Edge, go to “Settings” > “Appearance,” then select “Dark” under “Theme.”
4. Built-in Task Manager: Microsoft Edge has a built-in task manager that shows the resources used by individual tabs and extensions. To access it, click on the three-dot icon in the top-right corner, then select “More tools” > “Browser task manager.”

Customizing Microsoft Edge on Linux Mint

1. Change the Default Search Engine: If you want to change the default search engine, go to “Settings” > “Privacy, search, and services,” then scroll down to the “Services” section and click on “Address bar and search.” Here, you can select your preferred search engine from the dropdown menu.
2. Install Extensions: Microsoft Edge supports many extensions that can enhance your browsing experience. To install extensions, click the three-dot icon in the top-right corner, then select “Extensions.” You can browse the available extensions or search for specific ones using the search bar.
3. Customize the New Tab Page: To personalize the appearance and content of the New Tab page, click on the gear icon in the top-right corner, then choose your preferred layout and customize your content preferences.
4. Use Collections: Collections are a helpful feature in Microsoft Edge that allows you to organize and save web content. To create a new collection, click on the three-dot icon in the top-right corner, then select “Collections.” Click on the “+” button to start a new collection, and drag content from webpages or use the context menu to add items to your collection.

Other Tips for Microsoft Edge on Linux Mint

1. Pin Websites to Taskbar: To quickly access your favorite websites, you can pin them to your taskbar. To do this, open the desired website in Microsoft Edge, then click on the three-dot icon in the top-right corner and select “More tools” > “Pin to taskbar.”
2. Reader Mode: Microsoft Edge offers a reader mode that simplifies the layout of webpages, making them easier to read. To enable reader mode, click on the book icon in the address bar when viewing a compatible webpage.

Following these tips and customizations, you can tailor Microsoft Edge to your preferences and maximize your browsing experience on Linux Mint.

Example of Microsoft Edge opened on Linux Mint Desktop:

Additional Commands

How to Update Microsoft Edge on Linux Mint

To update the Microsoft Edge browser on Linux Mint, you can use the APT update command in your terminal, similar to checking for updates across your entire system.

First, update your package list:

sudo apt update

If an update is available for Microsoft Edge, proceed with upgrading your packages:

sudo apt upgrade

How to Remove Microsoft Edge Browser from Linux Mint

If you decide to remove Microsoft Edge from your Linux Mint system, follow these steps based on your installed version.

Remove Microsoft Edge Stable

To uninstall the stable version of Microsoft Edge, run the following command:

sudo apt remove microsoft-edge-stable

Remove Microsoft Edge Beta

If you have the beta version installed, use this command to remove it:

sudo apt remove microsoft-edge-beta

Remove Microsoft Edge Dev

To remove the dev version of Microsoft Edge, execute the following command:

sudo apt remove microsoft-edge-stable-dev

Remove the Microsoft Edge Repository and GPG Key

After uninstalling the browser, you can remove the repository and GPG key added during installation.

First, remove the repository:

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

Next, delete the GPG key:

sudo rm /usr/share/keyrings/microsoft*

And that is it, and you have successfully removed the Microsoft Edge Browser from your desktop.

Troubleshooting Multiple Sources.list

It’s important to note that you can install all three versions of Microsoft Edge (stable, beta, and dev). However, each installation will create a new sources.list file in your /etc/apt/sources.list.d/ directory. When you use the apt update command, you will have multiple sources.list files for the Microsoft Edge browser, and some will be ignored.

To resolve this issue, remove the extra sources.list files and keep the original one. If you accidentally delete them all, you can use the import directory code provided in this tutorial.

Here’s a quick fix:

1. Remove the extra sources.list files:

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

Or to blanket remove all sources:

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

2. Re-add the single repository with 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.list

3. Run an APT update:

sudo apt update

This solution should fix the issue, allowing you to receive updates for all three versions of Microsoft Edge from a single sources.list file instead of three.

Conclusion

In summary, installing Microsoft Edge on Linux Mint is a straightforward process that involves importing the Microsoft Edge repository, installing the browser, and launching it from your desktop. With various versions available, you can choose between stable, beta, and dev builds to suit your needs. By following the steps provided in this guide, you can enjoy the benefits of Microsoft Edge on your Linux Mint system, enhancing your browsing experience with various customization options and helpful features.

Additional Resources and Links

For further information and assistance, consider checking out these official resources and documentation:

1. Microsoft Edge Official Website: Learn more about Microsoft Edge, its features, and the latest news on the official website. Visit https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/edge.
2. Microsoft Edge Insider Channels: Explore the different channels (Beta, Dev, and Canary) for Microsoft Edge and find the one that suits your needs. Visit the Insider Channels page at https://www.microsoftedgeinsider.com/en-us/.
3. Microsoft Edge Documentation: Access comprehensive documentation for Microsoft Edge, covering topics such as installation, customization, and development. Visit the Microsoft Edge documentation at https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-edge/.
4. Microsoft Edge Support: If you encounter any issues or have questions about Microsoft Edge, visit the Microsoft Edge support page at https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/products/microsoft-edge.
5. Microsoft Edge on GitHub: Contribute to the development of Microsoft Edge or report issues through its GitHub repository. Visit the Microsoft Edge GitHub page at https://github.com/MicrosoftEdge.