Posted on by Aaron J. Berg

Brave Web Browser Not Opening - on Linux Fix

Fixing Brave Web Browser on MX Linux: a Quick Guide

As a dedicated Linux user, there is nothing more frustrating than encountering software issues when you are just trying to browse the web. Recently, I faced a challenge while using the Brave web browser on a MX Linux operating system based computer setup. If you are running into similar issues, don not fret! In this post, I wll walk you through the steps to resolve this problem of Brave web browser not opening on MX Linux operating system and other Debian-based distributions.

A Quick Background

For those who may not be familiar, MX Linux is a Debian-based distribution known for its user-friendly interface and stability. I have recently installed the Brave browser, a free and open-source option that prioritizes privacy and speed. However, despite my excitement, I encountered a glitch: when trying to launch Brave, nothing happened. Clicking on the icon in the launcher or selecting it from the menu yielded no results.

The Solution

After some troubleshooting, I discovered that the solution involved a simple command that changes the privilege level of the user namespace. The command is as follows:

sysctl kernel.unprivileged_userns_clone=1

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to implement this fix:

  1. Open a Terminal: You will need to access the terminal window in order to enter the command.

  2. Enter the Command: You will want to type the command above into the terminal and hit Enter. The default value for unprivileged_userns_clone may be set to 0, which restricts non privileged users from creating user namespaces—preventing Brave web browser from launching properly.

  3. Check Permissions: If you encounter issues, you will want to make certain that you have switched from privileged to non privileged user settings. This adjustment should allow Brave web browser to function correctly.

  4. Test the Browser: After running the command, you can minimize the terminal window and try launching the Brave browser again. You should now find it operational both through the launcher icon and through the Internet menu.

  5. Take Note of Logs: Some users have noted that the log files might not display any obvious errors. This can be misleading, as the issue is tied to user namespace privileges rather than a specific error in the logs.

Why It Matters

This issue is not mutually exclusive to MX Linux operating system; it can also affect other distributions such as Ubuntu and Debian. By sharing this fix, I hope to save you time and frustration, allowing you to get back to enjoying a secure and private browsing experience with Brave web browser.

In Conclusion

While Linux can sometimes present challenges, the Internet's spirit of support and collaboration makes troubleshooting a little easier. The next time you find yourself facing a stubborn application like Brave web browser on your Linux operating system, remember this simple command:

sysctl kernel.unprivileged_userns_clone=1

With that said, you are ready to browse securely! These instructions and tips were written for MX Linux which is a debian derivation distribution operating system. However, you can use these instructions and tips as a basis point for other Linux operating systems.

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