Microsoft Edge has evolved significantly from its early days as Internet Explorer's successor. Built on the Chromium engine (the same foundation as Google Chrome), the modern Edge browser offers excellent performance, robust security features, and seamless integration with Microsoft services. If you're a Chromebook user who wants to explore Edge's features—such as its vertical tabs, sleeping tabs for better memory management, and built-in Microsoft 365 integration—you'll be pleased to know that you can install the Edge Dev version on your device.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of installing Microsoft Edge Dev on your Chromebook using Linux apps support. The Dev channel provides early access to upcoming features while remaining relatively stable for daily use, making it an excellent choice for those who want to stay on the cutting edge of browser technology.

System Requirements

Before we begin, it's important to verify that your Chromebook meets the necessary requirements for this installation:

Important: This tutorial will only work on Chromebooks with an Intel or AMD CPU that have Linux Apps Support enabled. Unfortunately, this method is not compatible with Chromebooks using an ARM64 architecture CPU, as Microsoft does not currently provide ARM-compatible Linux builds of Edge.

If you're unsure whether your Chromebook supports Linux apps (also known as Crostini), you can check our comprehensive list of all currently supported Chromebooks with Linux Apps (Crostini) support.

Video Tutorial

Follow along with our step-by-step video guide below, which demonstrates the entire installation process. The written instructions and commands are provided beneath the video for your reference.

Installation Steps

The installation process involves downloading the official Microsoft Edge Dev .deb package and installing it through your Chromebook's Linux container. Here's how to proceed:

Step 1: Download Microsoft Edge Dev

First, you'll need to download the appropriate version of Microsoft Edge Dev for Linux. Visit the official Microsoft Edge download page and select the Linux .deb package for Debian/Ubuntu systems:

Download Link: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/edge

When you arrive at the page, look for the Linux download option and make sure to select the .deb file format, which is compatible with the Debian-based Linux environment that runs on Chromebooks.

Step 2: Install the Package

Once the download completes, navigate to your Downloads folder in the Chrome OS Files app. You should see the Microsoft Edge Dev .deb file. Simply double-click on the file to begin the installation process. Chrome OS will automatically handle the installation through its Linux container.

The installation may take a few moments as the system extracts and configures all necessary files. You'll see a progress indicator during this process.

Step 3: Launch Microsoft Edge Dev

After the installation completes successfully, you can find Microsoft Edge Dev in your Chromebook's app launcher. Look for it in the Linux apps folder, where all your installed Linux applications appear. Click on the Edge icon to launch the browser.

On first launch, Edge will offer to import your bookmarks and settings from other browsers, and you'll have the option to sign in with your Microsoft account to sync your browsing data across devices.

Why Use Microsoft Edge on Chromebook?

You might wonder why you'd want to install Microsoft Edge on a Chromebook when Chrome is already the default browser. Here are some compelling reasons:

• Microsoft Ecosystem Integration: If you use Microsoft 365, OneDrive, or other Microsoft services, Edge offers tighter integration and convenient access to these tools.
• Unique Features: Edge includes features like Collections for organizing web content, vertical tabs for better screen space management, and enhanced tracking prevention.
• Testing and Development: Web developers can use Edge to test how their sites perform across different Chromium-based browsers.
• Resource Management: Edge's sleeping tabs feature can help conserve memory on devices with limited RAM.
• Microsoft Rewards: If you participate in Microsoft Rewards, using Edge can help you earn points through your browsing activity.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter any problems during installation, here are some solutions to common issues:

Installation fails or shows an error: Make sure Linux apps are properly enabled on your Chromebook. Go to Settings > Advanced > Developers > Linux development environment and verify that it's turned on and fully updated.

Edge doesn't appear in the app launcher: Sometimes it takes a few moments for new Linux apps to appear. Try restarting your Chromebook. If that doesn't work, you may need to reinstall the application.

Edge crashes or won't start: Ensure your Chromebook's operating system is up to date. An outdated Chrome OS version can sometimes cause compatibility issues with Linux applications.

Performance issues: Edge running through the Linux container may use more resources than native Chrome OS apps. If you experience slowdowns, consider closing unnecessary tabs or other applications.

Need Additional Help?

If you encounter any issues during the installation process or have questions about using Microsoft Edge Dev on your Chromebook, please don't hesitate to reach out. You can leave a comment on our YouTube video, and we'll be happy to assist you with any problems you might be experiencing.

For those considering a new Chromebook purchase or wanting to compare different models, we invite you to check out our Chromebook Comparison and Buyers Guide, which provides detailed information to help you make an informed decision.

Additionally, if you'd like to stay informed about major Chromebook sales and special offers, consider joining our mailing list for timely notifications.