Microsoft Edge Now Available for Linux Users on Ubuntu and Mint

Microsoft Edge has made its way to Linux, offering users a blend of speed, security, and a sleek interface. For those on Ubuntu or Linux Mint, the process of installing this Chromium-based browser is straightforward, allowing for seamless integration with Microsoft services. Below is a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the installation process.

Prerequisites

Before diving into the installation, ensure your system meets the following prerequisites:

Operating System: Ubuntu 18.04 LTS or later, or Linux Mint 19 or later.
Internet Connection: An active internet connection is necessary to download the installation package and its dependencies.
Administrative Access: You will need sudo (superuser) privileges to install software on your system.

Download and Install Microsoft Edge on Ubuntu

The first step involves obtaining the installation package directly from Microsoft’s website. Follow these steps:

Open any browser currently installed on your system, such as Firefox, and navigate to the official Microsoft Edge for Linux page.
For Ubuntu and Linux Mint, you will need the Debian-based .deb package. Click on the download link that corresponds to the .deb format.
Agree to Microsoft Edge’s terms of service by reading through the text and clicking “accept and download.”
Your browser will prompt you to save the file. Choose a location that is easy to access later, such as the Downloads folder.

Once the download is complete, double-click on the saved DEB installer to initiate the installation using the Ubuntu Software app.

Install Microsoft Edge via Terminal

If you prefer a more hands-on approach, you can install Microsoft Edge using the Terminal. To do this, follow these steps:

Open the terminal by searching for it in your system’s application menu or using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Alt + T.
Navigate to the download directory by running the command cd ~/Downloads.
Execute the command sudo dpkg -i microsoft-edge-stable*.deb to install the Edge package.

Note: The dpkg command installs the package, while the -i flag specifies the package file. The wildcard * accounts for any version differences in the filename. If you encounter any issues during installation, such as missing dependencies, resolve them by running sudo apt-get install -f.

Additional Notes

If the installation fails due to missing dependencies, executing sudo apt-get install -f typically resolves the issue by installing the required packages.
In case Edge crashes or fails to start, consider reinstalling it or checking for any conflicting software or extensions that may be causing the problem.
If you find Edge running slowly, try clearing the cache, disabling unnecessary extensions, or resetting the browser to its default settings.

Is there a difference between Microsoft Edge and Microsoft Edge for Business?

Yes, there is a difference between Microsoft Edge and Microsoft Edge for Business. Microsoft Edge for Business is specifically tailored for organizational use and offers features like enhanced security, configurability, and management options through enterprise-grade policies. It integrates with Microsoft 365 and other enterprise tools, providing a more controlled and secure browsing environment suited for business needs. Microsoft Edge for personal use doesn't include these enterprise-focused features.

How to turn off Microsoft Edge notifications?

To turn off Microsoft Edge notifications, follow these steps: 1. Open Microsoft Edge and click on the three-dot menu in the upper right corner. 2. Select 'Settings' from the drop-down list. 3. Go to 'Cookies and site permissions'. 4. Scroll down to the 'Notifications' section and click on it. 5. Toggle off the switch for 'Ask before sending (recommended)'. This will turn off notifications from all sites. You can also manage individual site permissions by blocking or allowing notifications from specific websites.

Update: 11 Aug 2024