How to install Microsoft Edge on Linux Mint 21

Introduction

Microsoft Edge, the flagship web browser from Microsoft, has evolved significantly since its initial debut. With its Chromium-based architecture, Edge brings performance enhancements, security features, and compatibility with an array of web applications. While traditionally associated with Windows, Microsoft has made strides to support Linux distributions, including Linux Mint 21, recognized for its user-friendly interface and stability. This guide will walk you through the comprehensive steps to install Microsoft Edge on Linux Mint 21, ensuring that you can harness its capabilities for your browsing needs.

Prerequisites

Before we dive into the installation process, let’s ensure you have everything ready:

1. Linux Mint 21 Installed: Make sure your system is up-to-date. You can check this in the system settings or by running a terminal command.

   bash
   sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

2. Administrative Access: You will need administrative rights to install new software.

3. Internet Connection: A stable internet connection is essential for downloading packages and dependencies.

4. Basic command line Familiarity: Basic familiarity with running commands in the Terminal will be beneficial.

Step 1: Setting Up the Repository

One of the more convenient ways to manage software on Linux is through repositories. Microsoft Edge is available in Microsoft’s official repository, which allows for streamlined updates and management.

Adding the Key

To install Microsoft Edge, first, you need to download the GPG key to authenticate the packages:

1. Open your terminal.

2. Run the following command to download and add the Microsoft GPG key:

   bash
   wget -qO- https://packages.microsoft.com/keys/microsoft.asc | sudo gpg –dearmor -o /usr/share/keyrings/microsoft.gpg

Adding the Repository

Next, you will add the Microsoft Edge repository to your system:

1. In the terminal, type the following command:

   bash
   echo “deb [signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/microsoft.gpg] https://packages.microsoft.com/repos/edge/ stable main” | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/microsoft-edge-dev.list

This command ensures that your Linux Mint will check the Microsoft Edge repository whenever you perform an update.

Step 2: Installing Microsoft Edge

With the repository set up, you can now install Microsoft Edge.

1. Update your package index to refresh the repositories:

   bash
   sudo apt update

2. Now, install Microsoft Edge with the following command:

   bash
   sudo apt install microsoft-edge-dev

This command will pull the latest version of Microsoft Edge for Linux from the repository you just added. Depending on your internet speed, the download may take a few moments.

Step 3: Launching Microsoft Edge

Once the installation is complete, you can easily launch Microsoft Edge in a couple of ways:

1. From the Terminal: Simply type:

   bash
   microsoft-edge-dev

2. From the Applications Menu: Navigate to the applications section of your Linux Mint desktop, search for “Microsoft Edge,” and click on it to start the browser.

Understanding Microsoft Edge Features

With the browser up and running, let’s explore some features that make Microsoft Edge stand out:

1. Performance and Speed

Because Microsoft Edge uses the Chromium engine, it benefits from well-optimized performance and compatibility with a robust library of extensions available in the Chrome Web Store. The browser often shows impressive speed benchmarks, especially when loading media-heavy pages.

2. Enhanced Privacy Controls

Edge offers extensive privacy features, including Tracking Prevention options. Users can configure how much they want to restrict trackers, ensuring a safer browsing experience. Microsoft has also included features like InPrivate browsing, which doesn’t save your browsing history.

3. Integrated Tools

Whether it’s a built-in PDF reader, an immersive reader view, or the ability to annotate web pages, Edge offers a range of tools to enhance user productivity.

4. Synchronization Features

If you use Edge on other platforms, like Windows or mobile devices, you can effortlessly sync your bookmarks, settings, and browsing history across all of your devices using your Microsoft account.

Customizing Microsoft Edge

After installing Microsoft Edge, you may wish to tailor your browsing experience to better suit your preferences.

Changing the Homepage

To set your homepage or startup page in Microsoft Edge:

1. Click on the three vertical dots in the upper-right corner.
2. Select “Settings” and find the “On startup” section.
3. Here, you can choose to open a specific page or a set of pages when you launch Edge.

Browser Themes and Appearance

Changing the visual appearance enhances your browsing experience. You can customize the theme by installing different themes from the Edge Add-ons store:

1. Navigate to the extensions or add-ons page.
2. Browse through available themes and install one that appeals to you.

Extensions

To improve functionality, you may want to install extensions. Edge supports a plethora of extensions, including ad-blockers, password managers, and productivity tools:

1. Go to the Edge Add-ons site.
2. Find and install the extensions you need by clicking “Get.”

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While installing and using Microsoft Edge on Linux Mint is generally smooth, you may encounter some common issues. Here are a few solutions:

Installation Issues

If the installation fails, ensure that you added the repository and key correctly. You can do this by checking your /etc/apt/sources.list.d/ directory for the correct file entries.

Launching Problems

If Edge fails to launch, you might want to start it from the terminal to check for errors. The command microsoft-edge-dev should reveal any error messages that might give clues on what’s going wrong.

Update Issues

To resolve issues with package updates, you can run:

bash
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

Regularly updating your system keeps all software, including Microsoft Edge, running optimally.

Conclusion

Installing Microsoft Edge on Linux Mint 21 provides users with an efficient and modern browsing experience. With its strong performance, privacy features, and integration across devices, Edge is a worthy addition to your suite of applications. Whether you’re a casual user or need a robust browser for professional tasks, mastering this installation process equips you to make the most of it.

FAQ

1. Is Microsoft Edge free to use on Linux Mint?

Yes, Microsoft Edge is free to download and use on Linux Mint and other platforms.

2. Can I sync Microsoft Edge across my devices?

Absolutely! By signing in with your Microsoft account, you can sync bookmarks, history, and settings across all devices where Edge is installed.

3. What are the system requirements for running Microsoft Edge on Linux Mint?

While Microsoft does not specify strict hardware requirements, a modern system with at least 2GB RAM and a dual-core processor is recommended for optimal performance.

4. Can I install extensions from the Chrome Web Store on Edge?

Yes, since Microsoft Edge is built on the Chromium framework, you can install extensions from the Chrome Web Store.

5. How do I uninstall Microsoft Edge from Linux Mint?

You can uninstall Microsoft Edge by executing the following command in the terminal:

bash
sudo apt remove microsoft-edge-dev

6. Is it safe to use Microsoft Edge on Linux Mint?

Yes, Microsoft Edge offers strong security features and is regularly updated to address vulnerabilities, making it a secure option for browsing on Linux Mint.