EpiphanyLinux
vs
Microsoft Internet ExplorerWindows
Epiphany as a Linux alternative to Microsoft Internet Explorer
Updated
Our verdict
Epiphany can replace Internet Explorer for most everyday web tasks, especially if you need modern HTML5/CSS3 and JavaScript support. It lacks the proprietary quirks that some old intranet sites rely on, so legacy‑only pages may break. For users who mainly browse public sites, need basic password storage and want a lightweight GNOME‑integrated browser, Epiphany is a solid choice. If you depend on IE‑specific ActiveX controls or deep legacy compatibility, you’ll need a compatibility layer or a Windows VM.
- License
- GPL-3.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- —
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both render HTML5, CSS3 and JavaScript
- Support tabbed browsing and private windows
- Can import bookmarks and saved passwords
- Provide basic extensions/add‑ons ecosystem
What is different
- Epiphany uses WebKit; IE used Trident/EdgeHTML, so IE‑only scripts may fail
- No support for ActiveX, legacy COM objects, or enterprise Group Policy settings
- No built‑in enterprise site compatibility mode
- Password manager is tied to GNOME Keyring, not Windows Credential Store
Opening your Microsoft Internet Explorer files
Epiphany can open HTML files saved from Internet Explorer without issue, as they are just standard web pages. Exporting IE‑specific data such as ActiveX configuration or Windows‑only registry settings is not applicable; those formats have no direct counterpart in Linux.
Switching from Microsoft Internet Explorer to Epiphany, step by step
- Install Epiphany via your distro’s package manager (e.g., sudo apt install epiphany-browser).
- Export bookmarks and saved passwords from IE (via Internet Options → Import/Export).
- Import the exported HTML bookmark file into Epiphany (Bookmarks → Import).
- Copy any saved passwords into GNOME Keyring manually or use a password manager that syncs across platforms.
- Test critical internal sites; if they break, consider using IE Mode in Edge on Windows or a virtual machine.
Key features of Epiphany
- WebKit rendering engine
- GNOME integration (menus, dark mode)
- Simple tab management
- Built‑in reader mode
- Support for HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript
- Private browsing window
- Password manager integration with GNOME Keyring
Frequently asked questions
Can Epiphany run legacy intranet sites that required IE?
Only if those sites use standard web technologies. IE‑only features like ActiveX will not work, so you may need a Windows VM for those cases.
Does Epiphany sync bookmarks and passwords across devices?
It can sync via GNOME Online Accounts or third‑party tools, but there is no built‑in cross‑platform cloud sync like Microsoft’s.
Is there an extension ecosystem comparable to IE’s add‑ons?
Epiphany supports WebExtensions, but the selection is smaller than Chrome/Firefox; core productivity extensions are usually available.
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