FirefoxLinux vs Microsoft Edge LegacyWindows

Firefox as a Linux alternative to Microsoft Edge Legacy

Updated October 28, 2026

Our verdict

Firefox is a solid replacement for Microsoft Edge Legacy, especially for users who value privacy, customization, and consistent cross-platform sync. It supports modern web standards, delivers strong JavaScript performance, and offers robust extension support. While it doesn’t integrate with Microsoft cloud services as tightly as Edge Legacy did, it works well for general browsing, tab management, and private sessions. Users leaving Windows for Linux will find Firefox reliable and actively maintained, with regular security updates and strong community support.

Feature parity95%

License: MPL-2.0
Price: Free
Latest version: 159.0 (October 22, 2026)
Rating: —

Install Firefox Website ↗

What works the same

Supports modern HTML5, CSS3, and fast JavaScript execution
Offers tab management with multiple open tabs and session restore
Includes private browsing mode with tracking protection
Supports browser extensions and add-ons
Provides sync across devices via Firefox Account

What is different

Firefox uses its own Gecko engine instead of EdgeHTML
No built-in integration with Microsoft OneDrive or Office 365
Enhanced Tracking Protection is enabled by default, unlike Edge Legacy
Container tabs allow session isolation, a feature Edge Legacy lacked
Open-source model and non-profit backing differ from Microsoft’s corporate development

Opening your Microsoft Edge Legacy files

Firefox can open HTML bookmarks exported from Microsoft Edge Legacy using standard HTML format. History and passwords can be imported via Firefox’s import wizard from Edge Legacy if running on Windows first. Cookies and cached data are not directly transferable due to different storage formats. Session data like open tabs can be manually migrated through bookmarking. No known tool directly converts Edge Legacy profiles to Firefox format on Linux.

Switching from Microsoft Edge Legacy to Firefox, step by step

Export bookmarks from Microsoft Edge Legacy as HTML
Install Firefox on Linux via your distribution’s package manager
Launch Firefox and import the bookmarks file under Library > Bookmarks > Import & Backup
Set up Firefox Sync with a new account to enable cross-device sync
Install essential extensions like uBlock Origin or Dark Reader from addons.mozilla.org
Enable Container Tabs in Settings if you need session isolation

Key features of Firefox

Built-in Enhanced Tracking Protection
Extensive extension library
Container tabs for isolating sessions
Customizable themes and interfaces
Regular security updates and patches
Non-profit development model

How to install Firefox on Linux

Flatpak (Flathub)flatpak install flathub org.mozilla.firefox

Ubuntu / Mintsudo apt install firefox

Debiansudo apt install firefox-esr

Fedorasudo dnf install firefox

Arch / Manjarosudo pacman -S firefox-i18n-es-mx

openSUSEsudo zypper install MozillaFirefox

Frequently asked questions

Can Firefox run Microsoft Edge Legacy extensions?

No, Firefox does not support Edge Legacy extensions directly. However, most popular extensions have Firefox-compatible versions available on addons.mozilla.org.

Does Firefox sync passwords and tabs like Edge Legacy?

Yes, Firefox Sync securely syncs passwords, bookmarks, open tabs, and history across devices when signed into a Firefox account.

Is Firefox on Linux as fast as Edge Legacy was on Windows?

Firefox performs well and handles modern web content efficiently. While JavaScript speed is comparable, actual performance depends on site complexity and installed extensions.