Many Linux users installing Microsoft Edge eagerly anticipate using its integrated AI assistant, Copilot. However, a common frustration arises when clicking the Copilot icon yields no response. If you’ve encountered this, you’re not alone. The good news is that restoring Copilot’s functionality on Ubuntu and other Linux distributions is surprisingly straightforward, requiring just a couple of terminal commands.

The Root Cause

The issue stems from a missing configuration file, HubApps, which is present in the Windows version of Edge but often absent in Linux installations. By simply adding this file, you can activate the Copilot sidebar in minutes.

Before You Start: Checking for wget

Our fix relies on the wget command-line tool to download the necessary file. Most Linux systems, including Ubuntu, come with it pre-installed. To verify its presence, open your terminal and type:

which wget

If you see a path (e.g., /usr/bin/wget), you’re ready to proceed. If wget isn’t found, install it with:

sudo apt update && sudo apt install wget

Implementing the Fix: Choose Your Installation Method

The path to Edge’s configuration files varies depending on how you installed the browser. Select the option below that matches your setup.

Option 1: Flatpak Installations

If you installed Microsoft Edge via your Software Center or using the flatpak command, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to the Directory: Open your terminal and execute:

cd ~/.var/app/com.microsoft.Edge/config/microsoft-edge/Default

1. Download the HubApps File: Now, download the missing file directly into this folder:

wget https://raw.githubusercontent.com/RPDJF/dotfiles/refs/heads/master/.myconfig/ressources/HubApps

Option 2: Standard .deb/APT Installations

For those who installed Edge using the .deb package downloaded from Microsoft’s website, or via apt or dpkg, use these commands:

1. Navigate to the Directory: In your terminal, run:

cd ~/.config/microsoft-edge/Default

1. Download the HubApps File: Then, use the same wget command to retrieve the file:

wget https://raw.githubusercontent.com/RPDJF/dotfiles/refs/heads/master/.myconfig/ressources/HubApps

Final Step: Restart Edge and Enjoy Copilot

With the HubApps file now in place, the final and crucial step is to completely close all Microsoft Edge windows and then relaunch the browser. Upon restarting, click the Copilot icon, and you should find the AI-powered sidebar fully functional, just as it is on Windows.

Conclusion

While the omission of this vital configuration file in Linux builds of Edge is peculiar, the community-driven workaround is thankfully quick and effective. We hope this guide helps you unlock the full potential of Microsoft Edge with Copilot on your Linux machine.