How To Install Microsoft Edge on Fedora 42

Microsoft Edge has become an increasingly popular choice for Linux users seeking a modern, feature-rich browsing experience. With Fedora 42 representing the cutting-edge of this respected Linux distribution, many users are looking to install Microsoft’s Chromium-based browser to take advantage of its unique features and Microsoft ecosystem integration. This comprehensive guide will walk you through several proven methods to install Microsoft Edge on Fedora 42, ensuring you can enjoy this powerful browser regardless of your Linux experience level.

Understanding Microsoft Edge on Linux

Microsoft Edge represents a significant shift in Microsoft’s approach to web browsers. Built on the Chromium open-source project, Edge offers impressive speed, security features, and seamless integration with Microsoft services while maintaining compatibility with websites optimized for Chrome.

As a Linux user, you might appreciate Edge for several compelling reasons. The browser delivers excellent performance metrics compared to other Chromium-based options, featuring vertical tabs for improved screen space utilization, collections for organizing research, and robust PDF annotation tools. For those invested in the Microsoft ecosystem, Edge provides synchronized bookmarks, passwords, and settings across Windows, macOS, mobile devices, and Linux platforms.

Edge on Linux comes in three different release channels:

• Stable: Thoroughly tested for reliability
• Beta: Preview of upcoming features with reasonable stability
• Developer: Early access to experimental features

Each version offers different balances between stability and cutting-edge functionality, allowing you to choose based on your specific needs and risk tolerance.

Prerequisites for Installation

Before proceeding with Microsoft Edge installation on Fedora 42, ensure your system is properly prepared to avoid potential issues:

First, update your Fedora system packages to their latest versions using the terminal:

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

This command refreshes your repository information and upgrades all packages to their latest versions, reducing the likelihood of dependency conflicts during Edge installation.

Verify you have administrative access since all installation methods require sudo privileges. Additionally, ensure you have a stable internet connection for downloading necessary packages and repositories.

If you’re using an older system, verify that your hardware meets the minimum requirements for running a modern browser. Though Edge is optimized for performance, web browsers generally benefit from at least 4GB RAM for smooth operation with multiple tabs.

Method 1: Installing via Official Microsoft RPM Package

The direct RPM package installation offers simplicity for users who prefer downloading software directly from the official source. This approach is straightforward but requires manual updates when new versions are released.

Downloading the RPM Package

1. Visit the official Microsoft Edge download page at https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/edge
2. Scroll down to find the Linux download section
3. Select the RPM package option suitable for Fedora 42
4. Choose your preferred version (Stable is recommended for most users)
5. Wait for the download to complete in your default download location

Installation Process

Once the download completes, open your terminal and navigate to the download location. For most users, this will be the Downloads directory:

cd ~/Downloads

To install the downloaded package, use the DNF package manager with the following command:

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

The asterisk wildcard allows the command to work regardless of the specific version number in the filename. DNF will analyze the package, check for dependencies, and prompt you to confirm the installation.

Alternatively, you can use the direct RPM command:

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

However, using DNF is generally preferred as it handles dependencies more effectively.

Verification

After installation completes, verify that Edge installed correctly by launching it either from your application menu or by typing:

microsoft-edge

The browser should launch, presenting you with the initial setup wizard to configure your preferences.

Method 2: Installing via Microsoft’s DNF Repository

Adding Microsoft’s official repository offers several advantages, particularly for long-term maintenance. This method ensures you always receive the latest updates through Fedora’s standard update mechanism.

Adding Microsoft’s Repository and GPG Key

First, import Microsoft’s GPG key to verify the authenticity of packages:

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

This cryptographic key ensures packages are genuinely from Microsoft and haven’t been tampered with during transit.

Next, add Microsoft’s Edge repository to your system’s repository list:

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

For Fedora 42 with DNF5 (the newer version of DNF), the command may need slight modification:

sudo dnf config-manager addrepo --from-repofile=https://packages.microsoft.com/yumrepos/edge/config.repo

Installing Microsoft Edge

With the repository configured, install Microsoft Edge stable version:

sudo dnf install microsoft-edge-stable

If you prefer the beta or development versions for testing newer features, you can install those instead:

sudo dnf install microsoft-edge-beta

Or:

sudo dnf install microsoft-edge-dev

The installation process will download all necessary packages and dependencies, then set up Microsoft Edge on your system. You’ll be prompted to confirm the installation before proceeding.

Repository Benefits

Using this repository method provides several advantages:

• Automatic updates through standard system updates
• Easier installation of alternative Edge channels (beta/dev)
• Simplified dependency management
• Lower risk of incorrect installation

When Fedora updates occur, your Microsoft Edge installation will maintain proper compatibility as Microsoft adjusts their packages accordingly.

Method 3: Installing via Flatpak and Flathub

Flatpak represents a modern approach to software distribution on Linux, offering sandboxed applications with consistent behavior across distributions. This installation method provides enhanced security and avoids potential system conflicts.

Setting Up Flatpak and Flathub

If you haven’t already configured Flatpak and Flathub, follow these steps:

First, ensure Flatpak is installed on your Fedora 42 system:

sudo dnf install flatpak

Next, add the Flathub repository which hosts numerous applications including Microsoft Edge:

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

The --if-not-exists flag prevents errors if you’ve previously added Flathub.

Installing Edge via Flatpak

To install the stable version of Microsoft Edge using Flatpak:

flatpak install flathub com.microsoft.Edge -y

For those interested in testing the latest features, the development version is also available:

flatpak install flathub com.microsoft.EdgeDev -y

The -y flag automatically confirms installation prompts. If you prefer to review these prompts, omit this flag.

Managing Flatpak Permissions

Flatpak applications run in a sandboxed environment with limited access to your system. To manage Microsoft Edge permissions:

flatpak override --show com.microsoft.Edge

To grant additional permissions for specific features (like webcam access):

flatpak override --user --talk-name=org.freedesktop.portal.Desktop com.microsoft.Edge

This approach allows you to fine-tune Edge’s access to system resources based on your privacy preferences and needs.

Launching Microsoft Edge

After installation via any method, you can launch Microsoft Edge through several approaches based on your preference and installation type.

Command Line Launch Methods

For DNF/RPM installations, launch Edge by typing:

microsoft-edge

For beta or developer versions:

microsoft-edge-beta

or:

microsoft-edge-dev

If you installed via Flatpak, use these commands instead:

flatpak run com.microsoft.Edge

or for the developer version:

flatpak run com.microsoft.EdgeDev

Desktop Integration

Microsoft Edge integrates with your desktop environment, appearing in your application menu typically under “Internet” or “Web Browsers” categories. You can also:

1. Right-click on the Edge icon in your dock or taskbar while the application is running
2. Select “Add to Favorites” or “Pin to Dock” depending on your desktop environment
3. Create desktop shortcuts by right-clicking the application launcher and selecting “Add to Desktop”

For GNOME users, you can add Edge to your favorites by dragging the icon from the application overview to the dash.

Post-Installation Configuration

When you first launch Microsoft Edge, you’ll encounter a welcome screen guiding you through initial setup preferences. This section covers the essential configurations to optimize your browsing experience.

First-Time Setup

The initial setup wizard offers several options:

1. Default Browser: Choose whether to make Edge your default browser
2. Data Import: Import bookmarks and settings from other browsers like Firefox or Chrome
3. Sign-in: Connect with your Microsoft account to sync data across devices
4. Personalization: Choose between light and dark themes, plus customize your new tab page
5. Privacy Settings: Configure tracking prevention levels (Basic, Balanced, or Strict)

Take time to consider these settings as they significantly impact your browsing experience. Privacy-conscious users should pay particular attention to the tracking prevention options.

Microsoft Account Integration

Signing in with your Microsoft account enables powerful synchronization features:

• Browser history accessible across all your devices
• Bookmarks and favorites synchronized automatically
• Passwords stored securely in your Microsoft account
• Collections and reading lists maintained across platforms
• Personalized news feed based on your interests

If you frequently switch between devices or operating systems, this integration significantly enhances productivity and convenience.

Essential Features and Customization

Microsoft Edge offers numerous features that can enhance your browsing experience on Fedora 42. Understanding and configuring these features allows you to make the most of Edge’s capabilities.

Vertical Tabs

One of Edge’s distinctive features is vertical tabs, which moves the tab bar from the top to the left side of the window:

1. Click the vertical tabs icon in the upper-left corner
2. Tabs will reorganize into a collapsible sidebar
3. Hover over the sidebar to expand when collapsed
4. Right-click for additional tab management options

This layout significantly improves screen utilization on widescreen monitors and makes managing numerous tabs more intuitive.

Collections

Collections provide an organized way to gather web content for research, planning, or reference:

1. Click the collections icon (resembling a “+” in squares) in the toolbar
2. Create a new collection with a descriptive name
3. Add current pages, selected text, or images to your collection
4. Export collections to Word, Excel, or share with others

This feature proves invaluable for academic research, trip planning, or shopping comparisons.

Performance Optimizations

To ensure Edge runs optimally on Fedora 42:

1. Navigate to Settings > System and performance
2. Enable “Startup boost” for faster browser launches
3. Configure “Efficiency mode” to reduce resource usage
4. Consider disabling “Run extensions in background” for extensions you don’t need constantly active

These adjustments can significantly improve performance, particularly on systems with limited resources.

Privacy and Security Settings

Microsoft Edge offers robust privacy and security features that can be customized to match your preferences. Configuring these settings appropriately helps protect your data while browsing.

Tracking Prevention

Edge’s tracking prevention blocks various tracking technologies used to collect your browsing data:

1. Go to Settings > Privacy, search and services
2. Choose your tracking prevention level:
   • Basic: Blocks harmful trackers but allows most advertising trackers
   • Balanced (Default): Blocks most third-party trackers from sites you haven’t visited
   • Strict: Blocks most trackers from all sites, may cause some websites to function incorrectly

For most users, the Balanced setting provides a good compromise between privacy and website functionality.

Password Security

Edge includes a robust password manager with security features:

1. Enable password generation for strong, unique passwords
2. Activate password monitor to check if your credentials have been compromised in data breaches
3. Configure authentication requirements for viewing saved passwords

When combined with Microsoft account synchronization, this creates a convenient yet secure password management solution across devices.

Site Permissions

Control what websites can access on your system:

1. Navigate to Settings > Site permissions
2. Review and adjust permissions for:
   • Location
   • Camera and microphone
   • Notifications
   • JavaScript
   • Pop-ups and redirects

Fedora users should be particularly cautious with location and media device permissions to maintain privacy.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with careful installation, you may encounter issues with Microsoft Edge on Fedora 42. These troubleshooting steps address the most common problems.

Installation Failures

If your installation fails with dependency errors:

1. Update your system completely: sudo dnf upgrade --refresh
2. Install missing dependencies: sudo dnf install -f
3. For persistent issues, try: sudo dnf --best --allowerasing install microsoft-edge-stable

For GPG key verification failures:

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

Browser Crashes or Won’t Launch

If Edge fails to launch or frequently crashes:

1. Launch from terminal to view error messages: microsoft-edge --verbose
2. Check for SIGILL errors, which indicate compatibility issues with your CPU
3. If you see SIGILL errors, downgrading may help: sudo dnf downgrade microsoft-edge-stable

For Flatpak installations, try:

flatpak repair
flatpak update com.microsoft.Edge

Rendering Problems

For web page display issues:

1. Disable hardware acceleration in Settings > System and performance
2. Reset Edge flags by visiting edge://flags and clicking “Reset all”
3. Check if the issue persists in other browsers to determine if it’s Edge-specific

These problems often relate to graphics drivers, so ensuring your Fedora system has appropriate drivers installed is important.

Updating Microsoft Edge

Keeping Microsoft Edge updated ensures you have the latest features, performance improvements, and security patches. The update process differs based on your installation method.

DNF Repository Updates

If you installed Edge via Microsoft’s repository, updates come through Fedora’s standard update mechanism:

sudo dnf update microsoft-edge-stable

You can check for updates specifically for Edge with:

sudo dnf check-update microsoft-edge-stable

This approach integrates seamlessly with your normal system maintenance routine.

Flatpak Updates

For Flatpak installations, update Edge using:

flatpak update com.microsoft.Edge

To update all Flatpak applications at once:

flatpak update

Flatpak updates are self-contained and won’t affect your system packages, making them particularly safe.

Manual Updates

If you installed via direct RPM download, you must manually download and install newer versions. The process is identical to the initial installation but with the newer package version.

Uninstalling Microsoft Edge

If you decide Edge isn’t right for you, removal is straightforward with any installation method.

DNF Removal

For installations via RPM or DNF repository:

sudo dnf remove microsoft-edge-stable

To remove beta or developer versions:

sudo dnf remove microsoft-edge-beta

or:

sudo dnf remove microsoft-edge-dev

If you also want to remove the Microsoft repository:

sudo rm /etc/yum.repos.d/microsoft-edge*

Flatpak Removal

For Flatpak installations:

flatpak uninstall com.microsoft.Edge

or for the developer version:

flatpak uninstall com.microsoft.EdgeDev

To remove related Flatpak data:

flatpak uninstall --delete-data com.microsoft.Edge

This ensures all browser data is completely removed from your system.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Microsoft Edge. Thanks for using this tutorial for installing the Microsoft Edge browser on your Fedora 42 Linux system. For additional help or useful information, we recommend you check the official Microsoft Edge website.