How to Move Your Bookmarks to Another Computer

The fastest way to move bookmarks between computers

The simplest method is to export your bookmarks from your current browser as a file, then import that file into the same browser on your new computer. Most browsers—Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge—store bookmarks in a standard format that they can read back in. You do not need to manually recreate them or type them one by one.

The process takes about five minutes and works whether you are switching to a new machine, setting up a second computer, or moving to a different user account on the same device. The exported file is small (usually under 1 MB) and can be transferred by email, USB drive, cloud storage, or any method you normally use to move files.

Key Takeaways

Export bookmarks from your current browser as an HTML or JSON file, then import that file into the browser on your new computer.
Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge all have built-in export and import functions in their settings menu under Bookmarks or similar.
The exported file is small and can be moved by email, USB drive, Google Drive, OneDrive, or any file transfer method.
If you use the same browser account (Google, Microsoft, or Firefox) on both computers, bookmarks can sync automatically without manual export.

Export bookmarks from Chrome

Open Chrome on your current computer and click the three-line menu icon in the top right corner. Select Bookmarks, then Bookmark manager. At the top of the Bookmark manager window, click the three-dot menu icon and choose Export bookmarks. Chrome will save a file named bookmarks_[date].html to your Downloads folder.

On your new computer, open Chrome and go to the same menu path: three-line menu, then Bookmarks, then Bookmark manager. Click the three-dot menu and select Import bookmarks. Navigate to the file you exported and select it. Chrome will add all your bookmarks to the new browser within seconds.

Export bookmarks from Firefox

Open Firefox and click the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top right. Select Bookmarks, then hover over Manage Bookmarks and click it. In the Library window that opens, click the menu icon (three lines) at the top left and choose Export Bookmarks. Save the file as an HTML file to your Downloads folder.

On your new computer, open Firefox and go to the menu icon, then Bookmarks, then Manage Bookmarks. Click the menu icon in the Library window and select Import Bookmarks from HTML. Choose the file you exported. Firefox will restore all your bookmarks in their original folders.

Export bookmarks from Safari

Open Safari and click File in the menu bar at the top of the screen. Select Export Bookmarks. A dialog will appear asking where to save the file. Choose a location (your Desktop or Downloads folder works well) and click Save. Safari exports as an HTML file.

On your new computer, open Safari and click File in the menu bar. Select Import From, then Bookmarks HTML File. Navigate to the file you exported and click Import. Your bookmarks will appear in Safari's sidebar and menu.

Export bookmarks from Microsoft Edge

Open Edge and click the three-dot menu icon in the top right corner. Select Favorites, then Manage favorites. In the sidebar that opens, click the three-dot menu and choose Export favorites. Edge will save an HTML file to your Downloads folder.

On your new computer, open Edge and go to the three-dot menu, then Favorites, then Manage favorites. Click the three-dot menu and select Import favorites. Choose the file you exported. Edge will restore all your favorites to the new browser.

Use browser sync instead of manual export

If you use the same browser account on both computers, you can skip the export step entirely. Chrome syncs bookmarks through your Google account, Firefox through your Firefox account, and Edge through your Microsoft account. Once you sign into the same account on your new computer, bookmarks appear automatically within a few minutes.

To set up sync in Chrome, click your profile icon in the top right and select Sign in to Chrome. Enter your Google account email and password. In settings, go to Sync and Google services and make sure Bookmarks is toggled on. Repeat this on your new computer with the same Google account, and your bookmarks will sync between both machines.

For Firefox, click the menu icon and select Sign in to Firefox. Create or enter your Firefox account details. Bookmarks sync automatically once you are signed in on both computers. The same process applies to Edge with a Microsoft account.

Transfer the exported file to your new computer

Once you have exported your bookmarks as a file, you need to move it to your new computer. The file is usually small (under 1 MB) and can be transferred several ways. Email the file to yourself and read it on the new computer. Upload it to Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, or another cloud storage service and read it on the new machine. Copy it to a USB drive and plug the drive into the new computer.

Save the file somewhere you will remember—your Desktop or Downloads folder is easiest. You only need the file once, so you can delete it after you have imported your bookmarks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my bookmark folders stay organized after I import them?

Yes. The export file preserves your folder structure exactly as it was. When you import, all bookmarks return to their original folders. If you had a folder called "News Sites" with ten bookmarks inside, that folder and all ten bookmarks will appear in the same arrangement on your new computer.

Can I import bookmarks from one browser into a different browser?

Most browsers can import from other browsers directly. Chrome, Firefox, and Edge all have an import option in their settings that lets you choose bookmarks from a different browser already installed on the computer. If you are moving to a completely different browser on a new computer, export as HTML from your old browser, then import that HTML file into the new browser. The process works across all major browsers.

What if I have bookmarks in multiple browsers on my current computer?

Export from each browser separately and import each file into the corresponding browser on your new computer. If you want all bookmarks in one browser, you can export from each browser and import all the files into a single browser on the new machine. That browser will combine them into one bookmarks list.

Do I need to be connected to the internet to import bookmarks?

No. The import process works entirely offline. You only need an internet connection to read the browser itself on your new computer. Once the browser is installed, you can import your bookmarks file without being online.

Will my passwords and other saved data move with my bookmarks?

No. The bookmark export file contains only bookmarks and their folder structure. Passwords, autofill data, and browser history are stored separately and require different steps to transfer. If you want to move those as well, sign into the same browser account on your new computer and enable sync for passwords and other data in the browser settings.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.