To back up Chrome bookmarks on a Windows computer, you can export them as an HTML file or copy the Chrome profile folder. Exporting bookmarks is the simpler method for transferring to another browser or system. Copying the profile folder preserves more data like passwords and extensions but is more complex.
Method 1: Exporting Bookmarks as an HTML file:
- Open Google Chrome and click the three-dot menu (More) in the top right corner.
- Go to Bookmarks and then Bookmark Manager.
- Click the three-dot menu (Customize and control) within the Bookmark Manager.
- Select Export bookmarks.
- Choose a location to save the HTML file, name it, and click Save.
Method 2: Copying the Chrome Profile Folder:
- Close Google Chrome.
- Locate the Chrome profile folder. On Windows, it's usually found at
C:\Users\<YOUR_USERNAME>\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default. - Copy the entire
Defaultfolder to a safe location, like a USB drive or cloud storage.
Restoring Bookmarks (from HTML file):
- Open Chrome and go to Bookmark Manager as described in Method 1.
- Click the three-dot menu in Bookmark Manager and select Import bookmarks.
- Select the HTML file you previously saved and click Open.
Restoring Bookmarks (from profile folder):
- Close Chrome.
- Locate and delete the existing
Defaultfolder in the Chrome profile location (if one exists). - Paste the copied
Defaultfolder from your backup into the Chrome profile location. - Restart Chrome.