Google ChromeLinux vs Microsoft Edge LegacyWindows

Google Chrome as a Linux alternative to Microsoft Edge Legacy

Updated October 28, 2026

Our verdict

Google Chrome is a solid replacement for Microsoft Edge Legacy, especially for users who value speed, extension support, and cross-device sync. Since both browsers are now Chromium-based, site compatibility and performance are nearly identical. Chrome excels in Linux environments with stable builds and full access to the Chrome Web Store. It’s ideal for users who rely on Google services or want a consistent experience across Windows, Android, and Linux. Privacy-focused users may prefer open-source alternatives, but for direct functionality, Chrome delivers.

Feature parity95%

License: LicenseRef-proprietary
Price: Free
Latest version: 156.0.8078.47-1 (October 21, 2026)
Rating: —

Install Google Chrome Website ↗

What works the same

Both use the Chromium engine, ensuring near-identical rendering of modern web pages
Support for HTML5, CSS3, and high-performance JavaScript execution
Tab management with multi-tab browsing, pinning, and grouping
Extension ecosystems via Chrome Web Store and former Edge Add-ons (now also Chromium-based)
Sync capabilities for bookmarks, history, passwords, and settings across devices

What is different

Google Chrome is proprietary; Microsoft Edge Legacy was partially open but tied to Windows
Edge Legacy had deeper Windows 10 integration, such as Cortana and Reading List, missing in Chrome
Chrome lacks built-in integration with Microsoft cloud services like OneDrive or Outlook
Dark mode in Chrome is system-dependent or extension-based, while Edge Legacy had native toggle
No native support for legacy Microsoft-only formats like MHT in Chrome

Opening your Microsoft Edge Legacy files

Google Chrome cannot open Microsoft Edge Legacy's saved MHT (web archive) files by default. However, you can install extensions from the Chrome Web Store to view or convert MHT files. Bookmarks and browsing history can be exported from Edge Legacy as HTML and imported into Chrome via the standard bookmark manager. Passwords and settings don’t transfer directly but can be synced manually or through Google account setup.

Switching from Microsoft Edge Legacy to Google Chrome, step by step

Export bookmarks in Edge Legacy as an HTML file via the bookmark manager
Install Google Chrome on Linux using the official .deb or .rpm package from Google's site
Import the HTML bookmark file into Chrome under bookmarks settings
Sign in with your Google account to enable sync for passwords, extensions, and tabs
Install needed extensions from the Chrome Web Store
Optionally, use a password manager or browser extension to migrate saved logins

Key features of Google Chrome

Chromium-based engine for fast page loading
Full support for Chrome Web Store extensions
Built-in PDF viewer and downloader
Automatic updates for security and features
Sync capabilities for bookmarks and passwords
Developer tools for web debugging
Hardware-accelerated video playback
Dark mode support

How to install Google Chrome on Linux

Flatpak (Flathub)flatpak install flathub com.google.Chrome

Frequently asked questions

Can Google Chrome run on all major Linux distributions?

Yes, Google Chrome provides official 64-bit packages for Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora, and openSUSE. It runs well on most modern Linux systems with a supported desktop environment.

Does Chrome on Linux support the same extensions as Edge?

Yes, since both are now Chromium-based, Chrome supports the full Chrome Web Store, which includes most extensions available in Edge’s add-ons store.

Is Chrome’s private browsing mode equivalent to InPrivate in Edge Legacy?

Yes, Chrome’s Incognito mode offers similar functionality: no history, cookies stored temporarily, and isolated sessions. However, it doesn’t block tracking by default unless you add extensions.