Microsoft has finally detailed which Linux distributions are officially supported by its Edge browser. This move, while a welcome clarification for Linux users, comes approximately seven years after Google established similar support for its Chrome browser.
Edge Clarifies Linux Distribution Support
In an update to its support documentation, Microsoft has explicitly listed the 64-bit Linux distributions that have been officially tested and verified for Microsoft Edge. Prior to this update, Microsoft’s documentation simply stated that Edge supported “Linux” without specifying which versions were officially endorsed.
The newly detailed list includes:
- Ubuntu 18.04 or later
- Debian 10 or later
- openSUSE 15.5 or later
- Fedora Linux 39 or later
Microsoft also noted that while other Linux distributions might be able to run Microsoft Edge, they will not receive official support. This clarification brings much-needed transparency for users looking to ensure a stable and supported browsing experience on their Linux systems.
A Long Time Coming
The journey for Microsoft Edge on Linux has been a gradual one. Microsoft confirmed the development of a Chromium-based Edge for Linux in November 2019. The first public preview build for Linux arrived on October 20, 2020, followed by the official stable release in November 2021.
In contrast, Google had already established and maintained a clear list of supported Linux distributions for its Chrome browser back in August 2019. When comparing the timeline of this latest Edge documentation update with Google’s initial support announcement, Microsoft’s official specification of supported Edge distributions lags by about seven years.
This is a significant step for Linux users who rely on Edge. While the browser has been available on Linux for some time, knowing which distributions are officially supported removes ambiguity and helps ensure a smoother user experience.
The lack of explicit distribution support may have led some Linux users to hesitate in adopting Edge, opting instead for browsers like Chrome or Firefox, which have long offered clear guidance on their Linux compatibility. With this official documentation, Microsoft is making a clearer commitment to its Linux user base, potentially encouraging wider adoption of Edge within the diverse Linux ecosystem.
Implications for Users and Developers
For end-users, this means that if they are running one of the specified distributions, they can have a higher degree of confidence that Microsoft Edge will function as expected and that they will receive timely updates and support. For developers, it provides a clearer target environment for testing web applications and ensuring compatibility across different Linux setups.
While unofficial support may cover a broader range of distributions, relying on official support channels is generally recommended for stability and security. This update signals Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to refining the Edge experience across various platforms, including the increasingly popular Linux operating system.
