Installing Microsoft Edge on Ubuntu without using Snap allows you to run the browser as a traditional Debian package (.deb), providing more control over updates and avoiding Snap-related issues some users encounter. This guide walks you through the process step-by-step, ensuring a clean installation of Microsoft Edge on your Ubuntu system without relying on Snap packages.
What You’ll Need
- An Ubuntu system (18.04 LTS or later recommended)
- Internet connection to download packages
- Basic familiarity with terminal commands
- sudo privileges on your Ubuntu machine
Step-by-Step
- Open a Terminal
PressCtrl + Alt + Tor search for “Terminal” in your applications menu. - Remove Snap Version of Edge (if installed)
To avoid conflicts, uninstall any existing Snap installation of Microsoft Edge by running:sudo snap remove microsoft-edge
Ignore errors if Snap Edge is not installed. - Update Your Package Lists
Run:sudo apt update
This ensures your system has the latest package information. - Install Required Dependencies
Install packages needed for HTTPS downloads and package management:sudo apt install software-properties-common apt-transport-https wget - Download Microsoft’s GPG Key
Microsoft signs its packages to verify authenticity. Download and add the key by running:wget -q -O - https://packages.microsoft.com/keys/microsoft.asc | sudo gpg --dearmor -o /usr/share/keyrings/microsoft.gpg - Add the Microsoft Edge Repository
Create a new repository list file to include the Microsoft Edge repository:echo "deb [arch=amd64 signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/microsoft.gpg] https://packages.microsoft.com/repos/edge stable main" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/microsoft-edge.list - Update Package Lists Again
Fetch package information from the newly added Microsoft repository:sudo apt update - Install Microsoft Edge
Install the stable version of Microsoft Edge with:sudo apt install microsoft-edge-stable - Launch Microsoft Edge
Once installed, you can start Microsoft Edge from your applications menu or by typingmicrosoft-edgein the terminal. - Optional: Pin to Dock or Create Shortcut
For easier access, right-click the Edge icon in your dock and select “Add to Favorites” or create a desktop shortcut.
Common Mistakes
- Not removing Snap Edge first: Having both Snap and .deb versions installed can cause conflicts.
- Skipping GPG key import: Without adding Microsoft’s key, apt will refuse to install packages from their repo due to untrusted source.
- Incorrect repository URL or syntax: Typos in the repository list can prevent package updates and Edge installation.
- Using 32-bit Ubuntu: Microsoft Edge is only available for 64-bit (amd64) architectures.
- Not updating package lists after adding the repo: This prevents apt from recognizing the new packages.
Tips
- Keep Microsoft Edge updated: Running
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgraderegularly will fetch the latest Edge updates from the official repo. - Check your Ubuntu version: Older Ubuntu releases may have compatibility issues. Ubuntu 18.04 LTS and newer are recommended.
- Use Edge’s Beta or Dev channels: If you want newer features, replace
microsoft-edge-stablewithmicrosoft-edge-betaormicrosoft-edge-devin the install command. - Verify architecture: Run
dpkg --print-architectureto confirm you are on amd64 before proceeding. - Automate installation: Script these commands for quick setup on multiple machines or fresh installs.
Troubleshooting
If installation does not go as planned, consider the following troubleshooting steps:
- “GPG key error” or “NO_PUBKEY”: Re-download and add the GPG key carefully. Ensure the command has no typos and that you have internet access.
- “Package not found” after adding repo: Double-check the repository URL and file content in
/etc/apt/sources.list.d/microsoft-edge.list. Runsudo apt updateagain. - Edge won’t start or crashes: Try launching from terminal with
microsoft-edgeand watch for error messages. Missing dependencies can be installed manually. - Conflicts with Snap version: Make sure Snap Edge is fully removed via
sudo snap remove microsoft-edge. - Network or proxy issues: If behind a proxy, configure your environment variables (
http_proxy,https_proxy) before downloading keys and packages. - Permission denied errors: Confirm you are using
sudofor commands that require administrative rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install Microsoft Edge without Snap on all Ubuntu versions?
Microsoft provides .deb packages for Ubuntu 18.04 LTS and later. Older versions may not be supported or may require manual dependency resolution.
Why avoid installing Edge via Snap?
Some users prefer .deb packages for better integration with system package managers, faster startup times, or to avoid Snap’s confinement and update policies.
Will Microsoft Edge update automatically without Snap?
Yes. When installed via the Microsoft repository, Edge updates through the standard apt upgrade process.
Is Microsoft Edge safe to use on Ubuntu?
Yes. Microsoft Edge is actively maintained and receives security updates regularly on Linux, similar to Windows and macOS versions.
Can I install other Microsoft apps this way?
Microsoft offers some Linux apps like Visual Studio Code through official repositories, but many apps remain Windows-only.
How do I uninstall Microsoft Edge installed via .deb?
Run sudo apt remove microsoft-edge-stable to uninstall the stable version. Remove the repository file if you no longer want updates.
By following this guide, you can enjoy Microsoft Edge on Ubuntu without relying on Snap, giving you more flexibility and control over your browser installation and updates. Whether you want the stable release or want to experiment with beta versions, the Microsoft repository method is straightforward and reliable.
Remember to keep your system updated and periodically check for new Edge versions to ensure a secure and smooth browsing experience on Ubuntu.
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