This guide shows you how to save and restore your Microsoft Edge data on Windows 10 or Windows 11.
To back up Microsoft Edge, close the browser, copy the User Data folder from 📁C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Edge\User Data to external storage, and export Edge registry settings. Restore by pasting the User Data folder and double-clicking the exported .reg file.
Why Back Up Microsoft Edge?
Backing up Microsoft Edge settings is important because your browser stores all your bookmarks, saved settings, and extensions. If your computer breaks or you get a new one, you won’t lose your personalized browsing setup, saving you time and preventing data loss.
Cloud Sync vs. Manual Backup
Microsoft Edge offers a cloud sync feature that connects your browser to your Microsoft account, keeping your data updated across devices. However, a manual backup provides an offline copy of your settings, which is useful for creating a physical snapshot of your browser data.
What Gets Backed Up?
Your manual backup includes:
- All browser settings
- Favorites and bookmarks
- User profiles
- Installed extensions
Important: Passwords aren’t included in this local folder. They are encrypted and tied to your account. You must export them separately or use the sync feature to move them.
Step-by-Step: How to Back Up Microsoft Edge
Step 1Close Microsoft Edge Completely
Close Edge and all its tabs. If the browser is running, files will lock and the backup will fail. Once the browser is closed, the files become accessible for copying.
Step 2Find Your Edge Folder
Open File Explorer. Copy and paste this path into File Explorer’s address bar:
C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Edge\User Data
Step 3Copy Your Edge Folder
Right-click the User Data folder and select Copy. Paste it onto a USB drive or cloud storage. This folder holds your browser’s core data, built on Chromium.
Step 4Export Your Registry Settings
Backing up Microsoft Edge settings can be done by exporting your registry. Open the Registry Editor as an administrator and find the specific Edge folder. Right-click this folder and choose ‘Export’ to save your browser setup as a .reg file.
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Edge
Right-click the Edge folder and select Export. Save this as a .reg file. This captures your unique browser setup.
How to Restore Microsoft Edge
Step 1Restore the User Data Folder
On your new PC, close Edge. Navigate to the same path as in Step 2. Paste your backed-up User Data folder here. Choose to overwrite existing files if asked.
Step 2Restore Registry Settings
Double-click your saved .reg file. Click Yes to confirm. This applies your old settings to the new browser installation.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues when backing up or restoring Microsoft Edge, remember passwords are often in Windows Credential Manager, not just the browser folder. Ensure Edge is completely closed via Task Manager before copying files to avoid errors, and the folder structure is the same between Windows 10 and 11.
Summary
Backing up Microsoft Edge settings by copying the User Data folder and exporting registry keys creates a complete snapshot of your browser. This process ensures a smooth transition to a new computer, allowing you to restore your files so your browser looks and works exactly as it did before.
Does backing up the Edge folder include my browser extensions?
Yes, backing up the Microsoft Edge User Data folder includes all your installed browser extensions and their settings. Because Edge is built on Chromium, these extensions are stored within the profile subfolders, meaning they will be ready to use immediately when you restore the folder on a new machine.
Can I restore Edge settings from a 🪟 Windows 10 PC to a 🪟 Windows 11 PC?
Yes, you can easily migrate your Edge profile between Windows 10 and Windows 11. The underlying Chromium file structure is identical across both operating systems. Simply copy the User Data folder from your old machine and paste it into the corresponding directory on your new Windows 11 computer to restore your settings.
Is it safe to copy the User Data folder while Edge is running?
Copying the Microsoft Edge User Data folder while the browser is running isn’t safe. The browser is constantly changing files then, so copying them might corrupt your backup. Always close all Edge windows and processes first to ensure a good backup.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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