How to Backup and Restore Microsoft Edge

This guide shows you how to back up and restore everything in Microsoft Edge on Windows 11 or Windows 10.

Why Back Up Microsoft Edge?

Microsoft Edge is a browser that works on Windows, macOS, and Linux. The new Microsoft Edge uses Chromium code, which means better compatibility with websites and faster performance.

Most people only back up their favorites when they switch to a new computer. That’s usually enough to get started.

But some users want to save everything — all settings, bookmarks, profiles, and extensions. If that’s you, this guide is for you.

What Gets Backed Up?

Your backup will include:

• All settings
• Favorites and bookmarks
• Profiles
• Extensions

Important: Passwords are not included in this backup. Edge stores passwords encrypted in your Microsoft account online. You can manually export your saved password separately if you need them.

Step-by-Step: How to Back Up Microsoft Edge

Step 1: Close Microsoft Edge Completely

Close Edge and all its tabs before you start. This is important for the backup to work correctly.

Step 2: Find Your Edge Folder

Open File Explorer. In the address bar at the top, type this path:

%LocalAppData%\Microsoft

Press Enter. You’ll see your Edge folder here.

If you have other versions of Edge installed, you’ll see a folder for each one.

Step 3: Copy Your Edge Folder

Right-click on the Edge folder and select Copy. Save this folder to an external drive, USB stick, or cloud storage. This is your complete backup.

Step 4: Export Your Registry Settings

Now you need to back up your registry settings. To do this, you’ll need admin privileges sign in to Edge and sync your passwords to access the registry.

Open the Registry Editor (search for “regedit” in Windows). Navigate to this path:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Edge

Look for the PreferenceMACs subfolder under Edge. Right-click on it and select Export.

Save the file with a name like “MSEdgeBackup” in the same location as your Edge folder backup.

How to Restore Microsoft Edge on Your New PC

Step 1: Copy Your Edge Folder

On your new computer, open File Explorer and go to:

%LocalAppData%\Microsoft

Paste your backed-up Edge folder here. When asked, choose to overwrite the existing Edge folder.

Step 2: Restore Your Registry Settings

On your new PC, find the “MSEdgeBackup” registry file you saved. Double-click it to restore your browser settings.

Windows will ask for permission. Click Yes to confirm.

Step 3: Done!

Open Microsoft Edge. Everything should be restored — your settings, bookmarks, profiles, and extensions.

What About Passwords?

If you need your passwords, you’ll need to Windows registry from Edge separately. This is because passwords are stored securely in your Microsoft account, not in your local backup.

Summary

Backing up and restoring Microsoft Edge is simple and takes just a few minutes. You copy your Edge folder from %LocalAppData%\Microsoft and export your registry settings from HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Edge. This saves all your favorites, settings, profiles, and extensions. When you’re ready to use a new computer, paste the Edge folder back and restore the registry file. Your browser will be exactly as you left it. Remember: passwords need to be exported separately because they’re stored securely in your online Microsoft account.

Frequently Asked Questions