How To Install Microsoft Edge on CentOS Stream 10

Microsoft Edge, the modern web browser developed by Microsoft, has evolved significantly since its initial release. Now available across multiple platforms including Linux, Edge offers a compelling alternative to other browsers with its Chromium-based architecture, robust feature set, and cross-platform compatibility. For Linux users, particularly those running CentOS Stream 10, Microsoft Edge provides a seamless browsing experience with access to Microsoft services and unique features not available in other browsers.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the process of installing Microsoft Edge on CentOS Stream 10. Whether you’re a system administrator looking to deploy Edge across your organization or an individual user wanting to try Microsoft’s browser on your Linux system, this article covers everything from prerequisites and installation methods to post-installation configuration, troubleshooting, and optimization.

By following this guide, you’ll be able to enjoy Microsoft Edge’s robust performance, resource efficiency, and unique features like vertical tabs, web capture tools, and immersive reader on your CentOS Stream 10 system.

Understanding Microsoft Edge for Linux

Microsoft Edge’s Evolution on Linux

Microsoft’s journey to bringing Edge to Linux represents a significant shift in the company’s approach to open-source platforms. Initially reluctant to support Linux, Microsoft announced Edge for Linux in late 2019, with the stable version finally arriving in October 2021. This move aligns with Microsoft’s broader strategy of embracing open-source technologies and making their products available across multiple platforms.

The Linux version of Edge is built on the same Chromium engine that powers Google Chrome and several other modern browsers. This shared foundation ensures excellent web compatibility and performance while allowing Microsoft to add unique features and optimizations.

Edge for Linux is available in multiple release channels:

• Stable: The most reliable version for everyday use
• Beta: Updated roughly every six weeks with new features
• Dev: Weekly updates for those who want to test upcoming features

Benefits of Using Edge on CentOS

Installing Microsoft Edge on CentOS Stream 10 offers several advantages over other browsers:

1. Cross-platform synchronization: Seamlessly sync your bookmarks, passwords, and settings across Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux devices.
2. Unique features: Enjoy Edge-exclusive features like vertical tabs for better screen space utilization, a comprehensive web capture tool, and immersive reader mode that removes distractions from web content.
3. Resource efficiency: Edge is designed to be lightweight and efficient, consuming fewer system resources compared to some other browsers, which is particularly beneficial for systems with limited RAM.
4. Chrome extension compatibility: Since Edge is built on Chromium, you can install and use thousands of extensions from the Chrome Web Store, expanding the browser’s functionality.
5. Microsoft service integration: Access Microsoft services like Office 365, OneDrive, and Microsoft Teams with improved compatibility and performance.

Prerequisites for Installation

System Requirements

Before installing Microsoft Edge on CentOS Stream 10, ensure your system meets these minimum requirements:

• 64-bit CentOS Stream 10 installation
• 4GB RAM (8GB recommended for optimal performance)
• At least 1GB of free disk space
• Intel/AMD processor with SSE2 support

Preparing Your System

To ensure a smooth installation process, complete these preparation steps:

1. Update your system: Always start with an up-to-date system to avoid potential conflicts.

sudo dnf clean all
sudo dnf update

2. Verify you have sufficient privileges: You’ll need root or sudo access to install Microsoft Edge.
3. Create a system backup: While not strictly necessary, creating a backup before installing new software is always a good practice.

Required Tools and Packages

The following tools and utilities are needed for a successful installation:

• curl or wget for downloading packages and keys
• gnupg for GPG key verification
• dnf package manager (comes pre-installed with CentOS Stream 10)

To install any missing tools, use:

sudo dnf install curl gnupg2

Installation Method 1: Using RPM Package Manager

The most straightforward and recommended method for installing Microsoft Edge on CentOS Stream 10 is through the official Microsoft repository using the DNF package manager.

Adding the Microsoft Repository

First, you need to add Microsoft’s official repository to your system:

1. Add the Microsoft Edge repository to your system:

sudo dnf config-manager --add-repo https://packages.microsoft.com/yumrepos/edge

2. Import Microsoft’s GPG key to verify package authenticity:

sudo rpm --import https://packages.microsoft.com/keys/microsoft.asc

3. Update your local package database to include the newly added repository:

sudo dnf update

Installing Edge via DNF

With the repository properly configured, you can now install Microsoft Edge:

1. Install the stable version of Microsoft Edge:

sudo dnf install microsoft-edge-stable

2. Wait for the installation to complete. The process will download and install Edge along with any dependencies it requires.
3. Verify the installation by checking the installed version:

microsoft-edge --version

This installation method has several advantages:

• Automatic updates through the system’s regular update process
• Verified packages directly from Microsoft
• Proper dependency management
• Seamless integration with your system’s package management

Installation Method 2: Manual Package Download

If you prefer not to add Microsoft’s repository to your system or are working in an environment with restricted internet access, you can manually download and install the Microsoft Edge RPM package.

Downloading the Edge Package

1. Visit the Microsoft Edge Insider Channels website using your current browser.
2. Select the download option for the Linux RPM package. You can choose between Stable, Beta, or Dev channels depending on your preference.
3. Accept the license terms to begin the download.

Manual Installation Steps

Once the download is complete, install the package using the following steps:

1. Navigate to the directory containing the downloaded RPM file.
2. Install the package using the RPM command:

sudo rpm -i microsoft-edge-stable*.rpm

3. If you encounter dependency issues, you can use DNF to resolve them automatically:

sudo dnf install ./microsoft-edge-stable*.rpm

Pros and Cons of Manual Installation

Pros:

• No need to add external repositories to your system
• More control over when updates are applied
• Useful in restricted network environments

Cons:

• You’ll need to manually download and install updates
• Potential for dependency issues if not using DNF
• More time-consuming for long-term maintenance

Installation Method 3: Using Flatpak

Flatpak provides another way to install Microsoft Edge, offering sandboxed applications that run consistently across different Linux distributions.

Setting Up Flatpak

If Flatpak is not already installed on your CentOS Stream 10 system:

1. Install Flatpak:

sudo dnf install flatpak

2. Add the Flathub repository:

flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

3. Restart your system to ensure Flatpak is properly configured.

Installing Edge via Flatpak

While Microsoft Edge isn’t directly available as an official Flatpak, you can install the browser through this method if it becomes available:

1. Install Microsoft Edge:

flatpak install flathub com.microsoft.Edge

2. Launch the browser:

flatpak run com.microsoft.Edge

The Flatpak installation method provides benefits like sandbox isolation, which can enhance security, and more consistent behavior across different Linux distributions.

Post-Installation Configuration

First-Launch Settings

When you first launch Microsoft Edge after installation, you’ll need to configure some initial settings:

1. Launch Microsoft Edge from your application menu or by running microsoft-edge in the terminal.
2. You’ll be presented with a welcome screen asking about data collection. You can uncheck “Help Microsoft” to disable optional diagnostic data collection.
3. Choose whether to import data from another browser like Firefox or Chrome.
4. Sign in with your Microsoft account to sync your bookmarks, passwords, and settings across devices, or skip this step if you prefer.
5. Set your preferred default search engine and customize your new tab page layout.

Integrating with CentOS Desktop

To better integrate Microsoft Edge with your CentOS Stream 10 desktop environment:

1. Set Edge as your default browser:
   • Go to System Settings > Default Applications
   • Select Web Browser and choose Microsoft Edge
2. Add Edge to your favorites or dock for quick access:
   • Right-click on the Edge icon in the application launcher
   • Select “Add to Favorites” or “Add to Dock” depending on your desktop environment
3. Create a desktop shortcut:

cp /usr/share/applications/microsoft-edge.desktop ~/Desktop/
chmod +x ~/Desktop/microsoft-edge.desktop

Edge Features and Customization

Essential Settings to Configure

To get the most out of Microsoft Edge on your CentOS Stream 10 system, consider configuring these important settings:

1. Privacy and Security:
   • Navigate to Settings > Privacy, search, and services
   • Configure tracking prevention level (Basic, Balanced, or Strict)
   • Enable or disable HTTPS-only mode for enhanced security
   • Manage permissions for websites (camera, microphone, location)
2. Sync Settings:
   • Go to Settings > Profiles > Sync
   • Choose which items to sync across your devices (bookmarks, settings, passwords, etc.)
   • Enable encryption for sensitive data
3. Performance Optimization:
   • Enable efficiency mode in Settings > System and performance
   • Configure startup boost for faster browser launch
   • Manage resource usage with sleeping tabs feature

Extensions and Add-ons

Microsoft Edge supports extensions from both the Microsoft Edge Add-on store and the Chrome Web Store:

1. To install extensions from the Microsoft Store:
   • Click the “…” menu > Extensions > Manage extensions
   • Click “Get extensions for Microsoft Edge”
   • Browse and install desired extensions
2. To install Chrome extensions:
   • Enable “Allow extensions from other stores” in Edge’s extension settings
   • Visit the Chrome Web Store
   • Click “Add to Chrome” on the desired extension

Popular extensions to consider include ad blockers, password managers, and productivity tools that can enhance your browsing experience.

Troubleshooting Common Installation Issues

Repository Configuration Problems

If you encounter issues with the Microsoft repository, try these solutions:

1. GPG Key Verification Errors:
   • Re-import the Microsoft GPG key:

sudo rpm --import https://packages.microsoft.com/keys/microsoft.asc

• If the error persists, try downloading the key directly:

curl -sSL https://packages.microsoft.com/keys/microsoft.asc | gpg --dearmor > microsoft.gpg
sudo mv microsoft.gpg /etc/pki/rpm-gpg/

2. Repository Connectivity Issues:
   • Verify your internet connection.
   • Check if you’re behind a proxy or VPN that might be blocking access to Microsoft’s servers.
   • Temporarily disable firewall to test if it’s blocking connections:

sudo systemctl stop firewalld

(Remember to restart it after testing: sudo systemctl start firewalld)

Dependency Conflicts

Dependency issues can occur during installation:

1. Missing Dependencies:
   • Use DNF to automatically resolve dependencies:

sudo dnf install --allowerasing microsoft-edge-stable

2. Version Conflicts:
   • Try installing a different channel (Beta or Dev) to see if the issue persists.
   • Update your system completely before attempting installation:

sudo dnf update --refresh

Permission and Access Issues

Permission-related problems can block installation:

1. Insufficient Privileges:
   • Ensure you’re using sudo or logged in as root.
   • Check file permissions on installation directories:

ls -la /opt/
sudo chmod 755 /opt/

2. SELinux Interference:
   • Check if SELinux is blocking the installation:

sudo ausearch -m avc --start recent

• Temporarily set SELinux to permissive mode:

sudo setenforce 0

• After installation, revert to enforcing mode:

sudo setenforce 1

Updating Microsoft Edge

Automatic Updates

If you installed Edge via the official repository, updates will be managed automatically:

1. The system will check for updates periodically.
2. When updates are available, they’ll be installed alongside other system updates when you run:

sudo dnf update

To check if updates are available specifically for Edge:

sudo dnf check-update microsoft-edge-stable

Manual Update Process

For manual installations, you’ll need to update Edge yourself:

1. Download the latest RPM package from the Microsoft Edge website.
2. Install it using the same method as your initial installation:

sudo rpm -U microsoft-edge-stable*.rpm

or

sudo dnf install ./microsoft-edge-stable*.rpm

It’s recommended to check for updates at least monthly to ensure you have the latest security patches and features.

Uninstalling Microsoft Edge

Complete Removal Steps

If you need to remove Microsoft Edge from your CentOS Stream 10 system:

1. Uninstall the package:

sudo dnf remove microsoft-edge-stable

2. Remove the Microsoft repository:

sudo rm /etc/yum.repos.d/packages.microsoft.com_yumrepos_edge.repo

3. Remove user data and preferences (optional):

rm -rf ~/.config/microsoft-edge

4. Update your package database:

sudo dnf clean all
sudo dnf update

This will completely remove Microsoft Edge from your system, including all configuration files and user data.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Microsoft Edge. Thanks for using this tutorial to install the Microsoft Edge web browser on CentOS Stream 10. For additional help or useful information, we recommend you check the official Microsoft website.