How To Install Microsoft Edge Stable on Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Debian and Derivative Systems

As you may know, Microsoft Edge is Microsoft’s attempt to conquer the internet browser market. It is a fast Chromium based browser that offers a fast, secure and feature-rich browsing experience, including features like tracking prevention and support for Chrome extensions.

I know there aren’t many Microsoft supporters among the Linux users, but this does not mean I don’t need to write these instructions. It’s a browser just like the others.

The latest version available is Microsoft Edge 131.0.2903.112. For more information, read the release notes.

How to install Microsoft Edge Stable on Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Debian and other derivatives via the official repository:

Update Package List and Install Required Tools

Before installing Microsoft Edge, ensure your system is up to date and that essential tools like curl and gpg are installed. These are necessary for adding and verifying the Microsoft repository key.

Run the following commands:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y curl gpg

Add the Microsoft GPG Key

To verify the authenticity of Microsoft Edge packages, you need to download and add the official repository’s signing key:

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

This command saves the key in /usr/share/keyrings/, which is the recommended location for APT repository keys.

Add the Microsoft Edge Repository

Next, add the official Microsoft Edge repository to your APT sources list:

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 the microsoft-edge.list file in /etc/apt/sources.list.d/, allowing your system to recognize and install Microsoft Edge packages.

Update the Package List

After adding the new repository, update the APT index to recognize the newly available Microsoft Edge packages:

sudo apt update

Install Microsoft Edge Stable

Now, install Microsoft Edge Stable with the following command:

sudo apt install -y microsoft-edge-stable

This will download and install the latest stable version of Microsoft Edge on your system.

Optional: How to Uninstall Microsoft Edge

Uninstall Microsoft Edge

If you decide to remove Microsoft Edge from your system, you can do so with:

sudo apt remove -y microsoft-edge-stable

Remove Unused Packages

After removing Microsoft Edge, it’s a good practice to clean up unnecessary dependencies that are no longer needed:

sudo apt autoremove -y

Delete the Microsoft Edge Repository

To completely remove Microsoft Edge from your APT sources, delete the repository file:

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

Update the Package List Again

To ensure your system no longer checks for Microsoft Edge updates, run:

sudo apt update

Exploring Various Web Browsers Available For Ubuntu And Derivative Systems

There is a wide range of web browsers available, each offering unique features and user experiences. Here’s an overview of some notable alternatives:

• Mozilla Firefox: An open-source browser known for its commitment to user privacy and extensibility through a wide range of add-ons. Firefox receives regular updates and is praised for its robust performance.
• Waterfox: A variant of Firefox, Waterfox focuses on providing a fast browsing experience while maintaining support for legacy Firefox extensions. It is a popular choice for users looking for a balance between performance and compatibility.
• Midori: A lightweight browser known for its speed and simple interface. Midori is ideal for systems with limited resources and for users who prefer a minimalist browsing experience.
• Vivaldi: Offers a high level of customization, allowing users to modify almost every aspect of the interface and functionality. Vivaldi includes built-in features such as an email client, a notes manager, and support for custom keyboard shortcuts.
• Microsoft Edge: Developed by Microsoft, Edge has evolved significantly, offering seamless integration with Microsoft services and features such as Collections, Immersive Reader, and improved performance.
• Brave Browser: Stands out for its focus on privacy, automatically blocking ads and trackers. Brave also offers a cryptocurrency-based rewards system for users who choose to view ads.
• Opera: A feature-rich browser known for its built-in ad blocker, free VPN, and sidebar integrations for messaging apps. Opera also includes a unique battery saver mode and a customizable start page for enhanced user experience.
• Chromium: The open-source project behind Google Chrome, Chromium provides a fast and secure browsing experience without proprietary Google components. Many browsers, including Microsoft Edge, Brave, and Vivaldi, are based on Chromium.