Windows · Internet
Best Linux alternatives to Microsoft Edge (Legacy Collections, IE mode)
Microsoft Edge with Legacy Collections and IE mode is a Windows-only browser for accessing old internal sites and organizing web content.
Updated
Quick answer
The best Linux alternative to Microsoft Edge (Legacy Collections, IE mode) is Firefox. Other strong options: Chromium, qutebrowser, Epiphany.
4 Linux alternatives to Microsoft Edge (Legacy Collections, IE mode)
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Firefox is a fast, private web browser developed by Mozilla.
Firefox is a solid replacement for Microsoft Edge (Legacy Collections, IE mode) for most users, especially those prioritizing privacy, open source software, and cross-platform use. While Firefox lacks IE mode and built-in support for outdated internal sites relying on legacy ActiveX or old document…
Feature parity75% -
Chromium is the open-source core behind Chrome and Edge, providing a fast, stable web browser without proprietary Google services.
Chromium is a solid replacement for Microsoft Edge (Legacy Collections, IE mode) if you don't need IE mode or Windows-specific enterprise features. It handles modern web content well, supports Chrome extensions, and offers strong performance and security. However, it won't run legacy internal sites…
Feature parity75% -
qutebrowser is a keyboard-driven, minimalist web browser designed for efficiency and customization in Linux environments.
qutebrowser is a good replacement for users who prioritize keyboard efficiency and minimalism over enterprise compatibility. It handles modern web standards well and supports ad blocking and scripting, making it ideal for privacy-conscious or technically proficient users. However, it does not…
Feature parity60% -
Epiphany (GNOME Web) is a lightweight GNOME‑based web browser built on WebKit.
Epiphany is not a good replacement for Microsoft Edge with Legacy Collections and IE mode, especially for enterprise or internal site access. It lacks IE compatibility, enterprise management tools, and collection syncing. It’s suited only for basic browsing in GNOME environments where legacy site…
Feature parity30%
What is Microsoft Edge (Legacy Collections, IE mode)?
Microsoft Edge with Legacy Collections and IE mode is primarily used in enterprise environments to access outdated internal web applications that rely on Internet Explorer technologies. It supports backward compatibility through IE mode and helps organize frequently used pages via Collections. This makes it valuable for corporate IT departments maintaining legacy systems.
The browser is proprietary software, included free with Windows 10 and 11, but not available for Linux. There's no direct cost to use Edge, but it's tightly integrated into the Windows ecosystem and Microsoft's services, such as Azure AD and Office 365. Licensing is tied to the operating system.
People seek Linux alternatives because Edge's IE mode and Collections are Windows-only features. Linux users need capable, standards-compliant browsers that support modern web technologies and offer privacy, customization, or lightweight performance—without relying on Windows-only tools for legacy site access.
Can you run Microsoft Edge (Legacy Collections, IE mode) on Linux?
There is no native Linux version of Microsoft Edge with IE mode or Legacy Collections. IE mode does not work on Linux. While Microsoft Edge runs on Linux as a standard Chromium-based browser, it lacks IE mode entirely. Wine, Proton, or Bottles do not support IE mode either. Running old IE-dependent sites on Linux requires alternative approaches like dedicated Windows VMs or browser automation tools.
Which alternative should you choose?
Firefox is ideal for users wanting strong privacy and full customization with extensions. Chromium suits those needing compatibility with Google services and enterprise policies. LibreWolf offers hardened privacy defaults out of the box. Waterfox supports legacy Firefox add-ons. qutebrowser is for keyboard-driven, minimal users. Epiphany works well on GNOME systems with limited resources.
Moving your Microsoft Edge (Legacy Collections, IE mode) files and habits
You can export bookmarks from Edge on Windows as an HTML file and import them into Firefox, Chromium, or other Linux browsers. Passwords and history require manual transfer or syncing via a browser account if supported. Collections don't have a direct export function, so organize them as bookmark folders first. Most modern sites work across browsers, but legacy intranet sites may need a Windows VM or compatibility testing.
Side-by-side comparison
| App | License | Flatpak | Latest version | Feature parity | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firefox | MPL-2.0 | ✓ | 158.0.1 | 75% | — |
| Chromium | BSD-3-Clause and LGPL-2.1+… | ✓ | 156.0.8078.47 | 75% | — |
| qutebrowser | GPL-3.0 | — | 3.7.0 | 60% | — |
| Epiphany | GPL-3.0 | — | — | 30% | — |
Microsoft Edge (Legacy Collections, IE mode): frequently asked questions
Can I run IE mode on Linux?
No. IE mode is only available in Microsoft Edge on Windows. It relies on the Trident engine, which does not run on Linux.
Are there any Linux browsers with Collections-like features?
Firefox and Chromium allow bookmark folders and tagging. Browser extensions like 'Bookmark Sidebar' or 'Simple Tab Groups' can mimic collection behavior.
How can I access old internal sites on Linux?
Use a Windows virtual machine with IE or Edge IE mode. Alternatively, check if the site works in modern Chromium or Firefox with compatibility tweaks.
Can I sync Edge data to a Linux browser?
Yes. If you sync Edge data to a Microsoft account, you can import some data into Chromium-based browsers on Linux that support the same sync engine.
How important is Microsoft Edge (Legacy Collections, IE mode) to you?
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