How to install Microsoft Edge on a Chromebook

Microsoft Edge has evolved significantly from its early days as a Windows-exclusive browser. Built on the Chromium engine (the same foundation as Google Chrome), the modern Edge browser offers excellent performance, robust privacy features, and seamless integration with Microsoft services. For Chromebook users who work within the Microsoft ecosystem or simply want to explore alternative browsers, installing Edge can be a valuable addition to your toolkit.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of installing Microsoft Edge on your Chromebook using Linux apps support. The installation is straightforward and should only take a few minutes to complete.

Before You Begin: Compatibility Requirements

It's important to note that 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 an ARM-compatible Linux version of Edge.

Additionally, you'll need to ensure that Linux apps (also known as Crostini) are enabled on your Chromebook. If you haven't set this up yet, you can check out our guide on all currently supported Chromebooks with Linux Apps (Crostini) support.

Video Tutorial

Follow along with our video tutorial above for a step-by-step visual guide, or continue reading for detailed written instructions.

Installation Steps

The installation process involves downloading the official Microsoft Edge package for Linux and installing it through your Chromebook's Linux container. Here's what you need to do:

  1. Download Microsoft Edge: Visit the official Microsoft Edge download page and select the appropriate Linux package (.deb file) for your system.
  2. Install the package: Once downloaded, the .deb file will typically appear in your Downloads folder. Move it to your Linux files section if needed.
  3. Run the installer: Double-click the .deb file to begin the installation process, or use the command line if you prefer.
  4. Launch Edge: After installation completes, you'll find Microsoft Edge in your Chromebook's app launcher under the Linux apps section.

Download Link

You can download Microsoft Edge directly from the official Microsoft website:

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

Make sure to select the Linux version and choose the .deb package format, which is compatible with the Debian-based Linux environment on Chromebooks.

Why Install Microsoft Edge on a Chromebook?

You might be wondering why you'd want to install Edge when Chrome is already built into Chrome OS. Here are some compelling reasons:

  • Microsoft Services Integration: If you use Microsoft 365, Outlook, OneDrive, or other Microsoft services, Edge offers tighter integration and a more seamless experience.
  • Collections Feature: Edge's Collections tool is excellent for research and organizing web content, making it particularly useful for students and professionals.
  • Vertical Tabs: Edge offers a vertical tab layout option that can be more efficient for managing multiple open tabs, especially on smaller screens.
  • Performance Optimization: While both browsers use Chromium, Edge includes Microsoft's own performance optimizations that some users find beneficial.
  • Privacy Features: Edge includes robust tracking prevention features with different levels of protection to suit your privacy preferences.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility: If you use Edge on other devices, having it on your Chromebook allows for seamless bookmark and history syncing.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

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

  • Installation fails: Make sure your Linux container is up to date by opening the Terminal and running system updates before attempting to install Edge.
  • Edge won't launch: Try restarting your Chromebook's Linux container or rebooting the entire device.
  • Missing dependencies: The .deb package should include all necessary dependencies, but if you receive error messages about missing packages, the installation process will typically guide you through resolving them.
  • Slow performance: Linux apps on Chromebooks use virtualization, which can be resource-intensive. If Edge runs slowly, try closing other applications or tabs to free up system resources.

Get Additional Help

If you have any questions or run into issues not covered here, please feel free to reach out via a YouTube comment on our video tutorial, and we'd be happy to assist you!

Further Resources

Looking for more Chromebook guides and tips? Check out our Chromebook comparison and Buyers Guide to help you make informed decisions about your Chromebook setup.

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