BraveLinux
vs
Microsoft Edge LegacyWindows
Brave as a Linux alternative to Microsoft Edge Legacy
Updated
Our verdict
Brave is a solid replacement for Microsoft Edge Legacy for most users. It uses the same Chromium engine, so site compatibility and performance are excellent. The built-in ad-blocker and tracker protection improve speed and privacy over Edge Legacy. Extensions from Chrome work, and Brave Sync handles bookmarks and passwords across devices. If you relied on deep Windows integration or Microsoft account sync, Brave won’t replicate that exactly, but for browsing, tabs, and privacy, it’s a clear step forward. Not ideal if you depend on Edge Legacy-specific enterprise policies.
- License
- MPL-2.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 1.98.60 (October 22, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both use Chromium (or Chromium-derived engines), ensuring near-identical rendering of modern websites
- Support for HTML5, CSS3, and fast JavaScript execution via V8
- Tab management with multiple tabs, pinning, and drag-and-drop
- Private browsing mode available (called 'New Private Window' in Brave)
- Cross-platform sync for bookmarks, history, and passwords
What is different
- Brave blocks ads and trackers by default; Edge Legacy did not
- Brave lacks integration with Microsoft services like OneDrive or Office 365 out of the box
- Brave uses a token-based rewards system (opt-in), which Edge Legacy never had
- Brave does not support legacy Enterprise Mode or older Active Directory policies
- Extension support in Brave is limited to Chromium-compatible ones, not legacy Edge extensions
Opening your Microsoft Edge Legacy files
Brave can import bookmarks, history, and passwords from Microsoft Edge Legacy if exported as HTML or via Chromium-based import tools. Since Edge Legacy used a proprietary format for some data, direct file transfer isn't supported. You can export bookmarks in Edge Legacy as an HTML file and import it into Brave under 'Bookmarks' > 'Import bookmarks'. Session files or custom configurations from Edge Legacy won't transfer directly.
Switching from Microsoft Edge Legacy to Brave, step by step
- Export bookmarks from Microsoft Edge Legacy as an HTML file
- Install Brave via Flathub or official repository
- Import the bookmarks HTML file into Brave under Settings > Bookmarks
- Enable Brave Sync and sign in with a sync code
- Install needed Chromium extensions from the Web Store
- Adjust privacy settings if opting out of Brave Rewards
Key features of Brave
- Built‑in ad‑blocker and tracker protection
- Chromium‑based engine with fast rendering
- HTTPS Everywhere integration
- Token‑based rewards system
- Support for Chromium extensions
- Regular security updates
- Cross‑platform sync via Brave Sync
How to install Brave on Linux
flatpak install flathub com.brave.BrowserFrequently asked questions
Can Brave open Microsoft Edge Legacy bookmarks?
Yes. Export bookmarks from Edge Legacy as an HTML file, then import it into Brave under Bookmarks > Import.
Does Brave support the same extensions as Edge Legacy?
No. Edge Legacy used a proprietary extension system. Brave supports Chromium extensions, so most modern tools are available but not legacy ones.
Is Brave less secure than Microsoft Edge Legacy?
No. Brave receives regular security updates and blocks trackers by default, making it generally more secure and private than Edge Legacy.
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