Opera as a Linux alternative to Microsoft Internet Explorer

Updated October 22, 2026

Our verdict

Opera (specifically Opera GX) can serve as a replacement for Microsoft Internet Explorer for most modern web tasks on Linux. It handles HTML5, CSS3 and JavaScript just fine, can import IE bookmarks and passwords, and offers a stable, regularly updated engine. It will satisfy users who need a reliable everyday browser and appreciate built‑in ad‑blocking, VPN and resource controls. However, it does not replicate IE‑only quirks such as ActiveX, legacy document modes, or the exact rendering behavior some old intranet sites expect, so those edge cases will still need a compatibility layer or a Windows VM.

Feature parity70%

License: LicenseRef-proprietary=https://www.opera…
Price: Free
Latest version: 137.0.6036.65 (October 15, 2026)
Rating: —

Install Opera Website ↗

Opera screenshot — Speed dial page - dark theme

What works the same

HTML5, CSS3 and JavaScript support
Bookmark and password import from IE
Tabbed browsing and extensions capability
Regular security updates

What is different

No support for ActiveX controls or IE‑only proprietary plugins
Lacks legacy document‑mode rendering used by old corporate sites
Does not provide built‑in enterprise group policies that IE offered
Opera GX focuses on gaming‑oriented features rather than corporate management tools

Opening your Microsoft Internet Explorer files

Opera can import IE's exported bookmark HTML files and password databases via its import wizard, so moving personal browsing data is straightforward. Exporting from Opera back to an IE‑compatible format is also possible via the same bookmark export. There is no native handling of IE's proprietary .mht or .chm files; those would need separate viewers on Linux.

Switching from Microsoft Internet Explorer to Opera, step by step

Download the Opera GX package from the official website or install via Flathub
Run the installer and follow the on‑screen prompts
Open Opera GX and use the Import wizard to pull bookmarks and passwords from Internet Explorer
Adjust privacy and security settings to match your preferences
If you need legacy site compatibility, enable the built‑in site‑compatibility mode or use a Windows VM for those specific pages

Key features of Opera

GX Control to limit RAM, CPU, and network usage
Integrated sidebar for Discord, Twitch, and other social apps
Built-in ad blocker and free VPN
Hot Tabs Killer to identify and close resource-heavy tabs
GX Mods for custom themes, sounds, and wallpapers
Split-screen browsing and video pop-out windows
Panic Button (F12) to hide the browser window instantly
Cryptomining protection and tracker blocking

How to install Opera on Linux

Flatpak (Flathub)flatpak install flathub com.opera.opera-gx

openSUSEsudo zypper install opera

Frequently asked questions

Can Opera GX display sites that only work in Internet Explorer?

It will render most modern sites correctly, but pages that rely on ActiveX, VBScript or IE‑specific document modes will not work. You may need a compatibility layer like Wine or a Windows VM for those cases.

Is Opera GX free on Linux?

Yes, Opera GX is offered as a free, proprietary download for Linux, with optional paid features like a premium VPN.

Will my saved passwords and bookmarks automatically sync after switching?

Opera GX can import them during the first‑run wizard. After import, you can enable Opera Sync to keep them synchronized across devices.