How to Back Up Edge Favorites

Exporting your Edge favorites creates a portable backup of your bookmarks, including their folder organization. You can keep the file as a safeguard or import it into Edge or another compatible browser if you move devices or need to restore favorites. You need Microsoft Edge installed and a place to save the exported file. Menu names or locations can differ slightly between Edge versions.

What You’ll Need

A computer with Microsoft Edge and the favorites you want to back up.
A folder or storage location for the backup, such as Documents, a removable drive, or a trusted cloud-storage folder.
Optional: a second storage location if you want protection against losing the computer or its drive.

Edge exports favorites as an HTML file. It is a bookmark file, not a full browser profile backup: it does not preserve passwords, browsing history, extensions, open tabs, or every browser setting. If you need those items, back them up separately using the appropriate Edge sync or account options.

Step-by-Step

Open Edge. Start Microsoft Edge on the computer where your favorites are saved. If you use multiple browser profiles, check the profile icon near the upper corner and select the profile that contains the favorites you want. Each profile can have its own favorites.
Open Favorites. Select the Favorites button, usually shown as a star, on the toolbar. If it is not visible, open the browser’s Settings and more menu (three dots) and choose Favorites. In some versions, you can also open the Favorites page from the menu. The exact path may differ slightly by version.
Find the export command. In the Favorites panel or page, select the more-options button (often shown as three dots) and choose Export favorites. Make sure you choose the export command, not an option to import favorites or manage folders.
Choose where to save the file. In the save dialog, select a folder you will remember. Give the file a clear name, such as Edge-favorites-backup.html, and confirm the save. If the dialog offers a file type, keep the HTML format. Avoid saving only to a temporary folder or an unfamiliar download location.
Confirm the backup exists. Open File Explorer or Finder and go to the folder you selected. Check that the HTML file is there and that its name and date make sense. You can make an additional copy to a removable drive or trusted cloud folder; do not rely on a backup stored only on the device that could fail.
Keep backups current. Repeat the export after making important changes to your favorites. Save each new copy clearly, or replace the older backup after confirming the new file was created. If you keep dated versions, label them consistently so you can tell which is newest.

Exporting creates a snapshot at that moment. It does not keep updating the file as you add, remove, or rearrange favorites. For ongoing access across devices, Edge sync is a separate feature; an exported HTML backup is useful as an independent copy.

Common Mistakes

Exporting from the wrong profile: A browser profile may not contain the bookmarks you expect. Check the profile before exporting, especially on a shared computer.
Assuming sync is the same as a backup: Sync keeps data aligned across signed-in devices, but changes or deletions can also sync. An exported file gives you a separate snapshot to retain.
Saving the file without checking: Choosing a folder is not enough. Verify the HTML file is present before closing the save dialog or clearing downloads.
Expecting passwords or settings in the export: The HTML file contains favorites, not a complete Edge profile. Do not treat it as a backup of other personal browser data.
Overwriting the only good copy: If you keep older backups, confirm the new export works before replacing the previous file.

Tips

Use a descriptive filename and store it in a dedicated backup folder so you can locate it without searching through generic downloads.
Keep a second copy on storage separate from your computer. If using cloud storage, check that the file has finished syncing before relying on it.
Protect access to the backup location, particularly on a shared device. Favorites can reveal personal interests or work resources even though the export is not a password file.
If you are moving to another browser or computer, retain the original HTML file until you have imported the favorites and checked that the folders and links appear as expected.
For frequently changing favorites, set a reminder that suits how often you add or reorganize them. There is no automatic update to a previously exported file.

Troubleshooting

You cannot find Export favorites. Open the full Favorites page rather than relying only on the small toolbar panel, then check its more-options menu. Menu placement changes between versions; look for an export option under Favorites management. Make sure Edge is up to date through its built-in settings if the command appears to be missing.

The file saved somewhere unexpected. Check the location shown in the save dialog, then search your computer for the filename or for files ending in .html. If you cannot find it, export again and deliberately choose a familiar folder.

The backup seems empty or incomplete. Return to the correct Edge profile and inspect its Favorites list. If favorites are still syncing, allow the browser to finish syncing, verify the list, and export again. Check folders in the Favorites list too; an export should include the favorites and their folder structure for the selected profile.

Importing does not restore the expected layout. Confirm you selected the correct HTML file and the intended browser profile. Import behavior can vary by browser: favorites may appear in a dedicated imported folder rather than being merged into existing folders. Avoid importing repeatedly until you have checked the result, since doing so can create duplicates.

The file will not open as a webpage. That does not necessarily mean the backup failed. An HTML favorites file is primarily meant to be imported through a browser’s import tool. Keep the file unchanged and use the browser’s import favorites or bookmarks option to restore it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does exporting favorites remove them from Edge?

No. Exporting makes a copy in an HTML file and leaves the favorites in Edge.

Can I use the backup on another computer?

Yes. Transfer the HTML file securely, then use the other browser’s import favorites or bookmarks command. The menu path may differ slightly by browser version.

Does the export include favorites bar folders?

It exports favorites and their folder organization, including folders used for the favorites bar. Check the imported result because another browser may display or arrange folders differently.

Is Edge sync enough to back up my favorites?

Sync is useful for keeping favorites available across devices, but it is not the same as retaining an independent file. Export an HTML copy if you want a separate snapshot you control.

How often should I export favorites?

Export after meaningful changes or whenever you want a fresh snapshot. The right interval depends on how often your favorites change and how much work it would take to rebuild them.

Can I open the HTML file to check its contents?

You can open it in a browser or text editor, but the easiest practical check is to import it into a browser profile and review the folders and links. Keep an untouched copy of the original file.

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