Google Chrome as a Linux alternative to Microsoft Internet Explorer

Updated October 22, 2026

Our verdict

Google Chrome serves as a capable modern replacement for Microsoft Internet Explorer for general web browsing on Linux. It handles current web standards, offers fast performance, and provides a robust extension ecosystem. However, it does not support legacy IE-specific features like ActiveX or proprietary intranet behaviors. If your workflow involves older internal tools that strictly require IE rendering, Chrome will not work. For standard browsing, email, and modern web apps, it is a strong, actively maintained choice, especially if you value cross-platform sync and security updates.

Feature parity85%

License: LicenseRef-proprietary
Price: Free
Latest version: 156.0.8078.73-1 (October 27, 2026)
Rating: —

Install Google Chrome Website ↗

What works the same

Supports standard web browsing with bookmarks and history
Includes a built-in PDF viewer
Offers password management and auto-fill capabilities
Provides developer tools for debugging web pages

What is different

Chrome lacks ActiveX support, breaking legacy intranet sites
Chrome is proprietary, while IE was integrated into Windows
Chrome uses the Chromium engine, not Trident
Chrome offers cross-platform sync, which IE did not

Opening your Microsoft Internet Explorer files

Internet Explorer did not use a unique proprietary file format for bookmarks or history that differs significantly from modern standards. You can export IE data as an HTML file or use a migration tool. Chrome can import bookmarks and passwords directly from IE during initial setup. If you have specific legacy files, ensure they are standard HTML or text formats, as Chrome does not natively open IE-specific cache or temporary internet files.

Switching from Microsoft Internet Explorer to Google Chrome, step by step

Export bookmarks and passwords from Internet Explorer as an HTML file.
Install Google Chrome on your Linux system via Flathub or official repository.
Launch Chrome and allow it to detect existing browser data for import.
Select Internet Explorer as the source browser in the import dialog.
Verify that all bookmarks and passwords have transferred correctly.
Install any necessary extensions from the Chrome Web Store.

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

Will Chrome work with my old intranet site that only worked in IE?

Probably not. If the site relies on ActiveX controls or proprietary IE rendering modes, Chrome will not support it. You may need to keep a Windows VM for those specific tasks.

Is Google Chrome free to use?

Yes, it is free to download and use. However, it is proprietary software, not open source, and it collects usage data by default.

Can I sync my bookmarks between Linux and Windows?

Yes, if you sign in with the same Google account on both devices, Chrome will sync your bookmarks, history, and passwords across platforms.