How To Install Microsoft Edge on Linux Mint 22

Microsoft Edge, built on the Chromium engine, has become a popular choice for users seeking a fast, secure, and feature-rich browser. While it’s primarily associated with Windows, Linux Mint 22 users can also benefit from Edge’s capabilities. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step process to install Microsoft Edge on Linux Mint 22, ensuring a smooth and efficient setup.

Prerequisites

Before diving into the installation process, it’s essential to ensure your system meets the necessary requirements and that you have the required tools at your disposal.

System Requirements

• Operating System: Linux Mint 22 (based on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS)
• Processor: Intel or AMD processor compatible with 64-bit architecture
• Memory: Minimum 2 GB RAM
• Disk Space: At least 200 MB of free space

Checking System Compatibility

Ensure your Linux Mint 22 installation is up to date. Open the Terminal and run the following commands:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y

This updates your package lists and upgrades installed packages to the latest versions, ensuring compatibility during the installation process.

Required Packages and Dependencies

Microsoft Edge requires certain dependencies to function correctly. Install them using the following command:

sudo apt install -y software-properties-common apt-transport-https wget

Importance of System Updates Before Installation

Updating your system ensures that all existing packages are current, reducing the likelihood of conflicts or issues during the installation of Microsoft Edge.

Installation Methods Overview

There are multiple ways to install Microsoft Edge on Linux Mint 22. The primary methods include using the graphical user interface (GUI) and the command line. Additionally, you can install Edge via the official repository or by downloading the DEB package directly.

• GUI Method: User-friendly approach using the Software Manager.
• Command Line Method: Efficient method using Terminal commands.
• Repository-Based Installation: Allows for automatic updates through the package manager.
• Direct DEB Package Installation: Manual installation by downloading the package from the official website.

Choosing the right method depends on your comfort level with Linux and your preference for managing software updates.

Method 1: GUI Installation

The graphical user interface method is ideal for users who prefer a visual approach without delving into Terminal commands.

Downloading the Package

Visit the official Microsoft Edge website to download the appropriate DEB package for Linux.

1. Open your preferred web browser and navigate to Microsoft Edge for Linux.
2. Select the Download for Linux option.
3. Choose the Debian package as Linux Mint is based on Ubuntu, which uses DEB packages.
4. Click Accept and download to start the download process.

Installing via Package Manager

Once the DEB package is downloaded, use the Software Manager to install Microsoft Edge.

1. Navigate to the Downloads folder or the directory where the DEB file is saved.
2. Double-click the downloaded DEB file. This will open the Software Manager.
3. In the Software Manager, click Install and enter your system password when prompted.
4. Wait for the installation to complete. This may take a few minutes depending on your system’s performance.

Verification Process

After installation, verify that Microsoft Edge is correctly installed.

1. Open the Menu and search for Microsoft Edge.
2. Click on the Edge icon to launch the browser.
3. Confirm that Edge opens successfully and that you can browse the internet without issues.

Method 2: Command Line Installation

The command line method offers a more streamlined and scriptable approach, ideal for users comfortable with Terminal operations.

Repository Setup

Setting up the Microsoft repository ensures that Edge receives automatic updates through your package manager.

1. Open the Terminal.
2. Import the Microsoft GPG key to verify the packages:

wget -q https://packages.microsoft.com/keys/microsoft.asc -O- | sudo apt-key add -

3. Add the Microsoft repository to your system’s sources list:

sudo add-apt-repository "deb [arch=amd64] https://packages.microsoft.com/repos/edge stable main"

4. Update the package lists to include the new repository:

sudo apt update

Installation Commands

With the repository added, install Microsoft Edge using the following command:

sudo apt install microsoft-edge-stable

This command fetches the latest stable version of Edge from the Microsoft repository and installs it on your system.

Verification Commands

To ensure that Edge has been installed correctly, execute:

microsoft-edge --version

This should display the installed version of Microsoft Edge.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter issues during installation, consider the following solutions:

• GPG Key Errors: Ensure that the GPG key was imported correctly. Retry the import command if necessary.
• Repository Errors: Verify that the repository URL is correct and that your internet connection is stable.
• Dependency Issues: Run sudo apt --fix-broken install to resolve any broken dependencies.

Post-Installation Setup

After successfully installing Microsoft Edge, perform the following steps to optimize its functionality on Linux Mint 22.

First-Time Launch

Open Microsoft Edge from the application menu. On the first launch, Edge may perform initial setup tasks such as importing default settings and extensions.

Basic Configuration

• Sign In: To sync your bookmarks, history, and settings across devices, sign in with your Microsoft account.
• Default Browser: Set Edge as your default browser by navigating to Settings > Default apps in Linux Mint and selecting Edge for web browsing.
• Privacy Settings: Adjust privacy and security settings according to your preferences under Settings > Privacy, search, and services.

Integration with System

Ensure that Microsoft Edge integrates seamlessly with Linux Mint by configuring system settings:

• Desktop Shortcuts: Create or verify desktop shortcuts for easy access.
• Menu Integration: Confirm that Edge appears in the application menu for quick launching.

Browser Updates

With the repository added, Microsoft Edge will receive updates automatically. To manually check for updates, open Edge and navigate to Settings > About Microsoft Edge.

Advanced Configuration

Enhance your browsing experience by customizing Microsoft Edge with extensions, syncing options, and performance tweaks.

Installing Extensions

Microsoft Edge supports a wide range of extensions to add functionality:

1. Open Edge and click on the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner.
2. Select Extensions from the dropdown.
3. Browse or search for desired extensions and click Add to Chrome (since Edge is Chromium-based).
4. Follow the prompts to install and enable the extensions.

Syncing with Microsoft Account

Sync your browsing data across devices by signing into your Microsoft account:

• Click on the profile icon in the top-right corner of Edge.
• Select Sign in and enter your Microsoft account credentials.
• Choose the data you wish to sync, such as bookmarks, passwords, and history.

Customizing Settings

Tailor Microsoft Edge to your preferences by adjusting various settings:

• Appearance: Change themes, show or hide the sidebar, and customize the new tab page.
• Privacy and Security: Configure tracking prevention levels, manage cookies, and set up security features.
• Languages: Add or remove languages and set your preferred language for browsing.

Performance Optimization

Improve the performance of Microsoft Edge by managing resources and settings:

• Hardware Acceleration: Enable or disable hardware acceleration based on your system’s capabilities.
• Startup Boost: Reduce startup times by enabling startup boost in Edge settings.
• Extensions Management: Disable or remove unnecessary extensions to free up system resources.

Troubleshooting Guide

Encountering issues during or after installation can be frustrating. This section addresses common problems and their solutions.

Common Installation Errors

• GPG Key Not Imported: Ensure that the GPG key is correctly added. Re-execute the key import command if necessary.
• Repository Not Found: Verify the repository URL in your sources list. Correct any typos or errors.
• Dependency Issues: Use the sudo apt --fix-broken install command to resolve broken dependencies.

Solutions to Frequent Issues

• Edge Fails to Launch: Reinstall Edge using the DEB package or verify installation steps.
• Updates Not Applying: Check your internet connection and ensure the Microsoft repository is correctly added.
• Performance Lag: Disable unnecessary extensions and clear browsing data to enhance performance.

Repository Problems

If you experience issues with the Microsoft repository, consider removing and re-adding it:

1. Remove the existing repository entry:

sudo add-apt-repository --remove "deb [arch=amd64] https://packages.microsoft.com/repos/edge stable main"

2. Re-add the repository following the steps outlined in the Repository Setup section.

Update Conflicts

Sometimes, updates can conflict with existing packages. To address this:

1. Update your package lists:

sudo apt update

2. Upgrade packages cautiously, reviewing any conflict warnings:

sudo apt upgrade

3. If conflicts persist, consult online forums or the Edge support page for specific solutions.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Microsoft Edge. Thanks for using this tutorial for installing the latest version of the Microsoft Edge web browser on the Linux Mint 22 system. For additional help or useful information, we recommend you check the official Microsoft Edge website.