Brave as a Linux alternative to Microsoft Internet Explorer

Updated October 19, 2026

Our verdict

Brave is a strong replacement for Internet Explorer for general web browsing, offering a modern Chromium engine that handles current standards well. It is not a drop-in solution for legacy IE-specific ActiveX controls or proprietary corporate intranet features. If your workflow relies heavily on old internal tools that only work in IE, you may need a compatibility layer. For personal use, standard websites, and productivity via extensions, Brave covers the core needs with better privacy and speed. It is suitable for users who have moved past IE-specific dependencies and want a secure, updated browser.

Feature parity85%

License: MPL-2.0
Price: Free
Latest version: 1.97.59 (October 16, 2026)
Rating: —

Install Brave Website ↗

Brave screenshot — Welcome page of Brave

What works the same

Chromium-based rendering engine supports modern HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript
Supports importing bookmarks and passwords from other browsers
Offers extension support for adding productivity tools
Provides regular security updates and patches
Includes built-in search and address bar functionality

What is different

Lacks support for legacy ActiveX controls and IE-specific DOM behaviors
Blocks ads and trackers by default, which may interfere with some older sites
No built-in integration with Windows-specific enterprise management tools
Uses a different extension ecosystem (Chromium-based) than IE's add-ons
Does not support the IE Compatibility View mode for legacy intranet sites

Opening your Microsoft Internet Explorer files

Internet Explorer did not use a unique file format for browsing data; it stored bookmarks in .htm files and passwords in the Windows Credential Manager or registry. Brave can import bookmarks from standard .htm files and passwords from other browsers. You cannot directly open IE-specific session files or temporary internet files in Brave. For saved web pages, standard MHTML or HTML files work fine.

Switching from Microsoft Internet Explorer to Brave, step by step

Install Brave from your Linux distribution's repository or Flathub
Open Brave and select 'Import from Internet Explorer' if available, or manually import bookmarks from .htm files
Export passwords from your old Windows system or another browser and import them into Brave
Install necessary Chromium-based extensions to replace IE add-ons
Test access to critical legacy sites and adjust settings if ad-blocking interferes

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 (Flathub)flatpak install flathub com.brave.Browser

Frequently asked questions

Can Brave run ActiveX controls?

No. ActiveX is a Windows-specific technology that is not supported on Linux or by Chromium-based browsers. You will need an alternative solution for any software relying on ActiveX.

Will Brave work with my company's intranet?

It depends. If the intranet uses modern web standards, yes. If it relies on IE-specific features or ActiveX, it will likely not work without additional configuration or a different browser.

How do I sync my data across devices?

Brave offers Brave Sync, which allows you to sync bookmarks, history, and passwords across your devices. You need to create a sync code on one device and enter it on others.