Complete Guide to Backup and Restore Microsoft Edge

This post describes the steps to back up and restore everything in the Microsoft Edge browser with Windows 11 or 10.

Microsoft Edge browser is cross-platform and supports all Windows, macOS, and Linux systems. In addition, the new Microsoft Edge browser has adopted the Chromium open-source project code base, which offers better web compatibility and performance over the legacy edge.

Most people will export passwords and back up only their favorites when migrating or switching to a new Windows system. In many cases, these should be enough to get started on their new PC.

However, few would like to back up and restore everything to their new PC, and for those who do, the steps below show them how to do that when using the Microsoft Edge browser.

The backup will include all settings, favorites, profiles, and extensions in Microsoft Edge for your Windows profile.

The backup will not include passwords stored in Edge. Instead, those passwords are encrypted and stored in your Microsoft account online. You can also manually export your saved password from Edge.

How to backup and restore everything in Microsoft Edge browser with Windows

The steps below show you how to do that if you want to back up and store everything in the Edge browser instead of simply exporting and reimporting passwords.

The backup will include all settings, favorites, profiles, and extensions in Microsoft Edge for your Windows profile.

However, you’ll need to sign in to Edge and sync your passwords to get passwords stored for sites.

To get started, close your Edge browser, including all tabs.

The default Edge folder is located in your local AppData folder below:

%LocalAppData%\Microsoft

Next, open File Explorer, type the path above in the address box, and press Enter.

If you have other versions of Edge, you’ll find a folder representing each version.

Copy the Edge folder to the new system and overwrite the respective Edge folder there.

Next, open the Windows registry and navigate to the path below:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Edge

Then, select Edge to expand the folder key. Right-click on the PreferenceMACs subkey in the left pane under the Edge and select Export.

Next, save the registry key to the exact location as your Edge file backup.

Double-click the MSEdgeBackup registry file you saved on your new PC to restore the browser preferenceMACs.

That should do it!

Conclusion:

• Backing up and restoring everything in the Microsoft Edge browser is a straightforward process that ensures a seamless transition to a new Windows system.
• While most users may opt to export and import passwords and favorites, the comprehensive backup includes settings, favorites, profiles, and extensions in the Edge browser for the Windows profile.
• It’s important to note that passwords stored in Edge are encrypted and saved in the Microsoft account online, requiring a separate manual export if needed.
• Following the outlined steps, users can effectively transfer their Edge browser data, enhancing their browsing experience on the new PC.