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How to Recover Microsoft Edge Favorites After a Windows Update
Question details
The user needs to recover missing browser favorites (bookmarks) in Microsoft Edge that disappeared following a system update.
- Product
- Microsoft Edge
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- After completing a Windows system or browser update, the user opened Microsoft Edge and found that their saved favorites and bookmarks were completely missing.
- Observed behavior
- The Edge favorites bar and list are empty. This is typically caused by the browser switching to a default profile, synchronization being disabled, or local bookmark data files being overwritten.
Before attempting any data recovery, check the top right corner of your Microsoft Edge browser to ensure you are logged into your primary Microsoft account, as updates often log users out or switch them to a new, blank profile.
Switch Browser Profiles and Enable Synchronization
Switching back to your correct Microsoft account profile and verifying sync settings is the most common and reliable way to restore missing favorites.
Windows updates can occasionally reset your browser session, opening a default 'Personal' or 'Work' profile instead of the one containing your data. Re-authenticating your account will prompt Edge to pull your saved favorites from the cloud.
Open Microsoft Edge and click on the profile icon located in the top-right corner of the toolbar.
Look through the list of available profiles (such as Personal or Work). Click on the profile associated with the Microsoft account you previously used to sync your favorites.
Click the three-dot menu icon (Settings and more) in the top right corner, then select 'Settings'. Navigate to 'Profiles' and click on 'Sync'.
In the Sync menu, ensure that the toggle switch next to 'Favorites' is turned on. Wait a few moments for the browser to download your bookmarks from the cloud.
Restore from Local Bookmark Backup Files
If cloud synchronization failed, you can try to restore your favorites from a local backup file automatically created by Microsoft Edge on your computer.
Secure Your Important Documents with WPS Office
While you troubleshoot browser updates and recover your favorites, ensure your important files and documents are always backed up and accessible. WPS Office is a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office, featuring built-in cloud sync so you never lose your work during system updates.
- 1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the Free Download button.
- 2. Run the installation: Open the downloaded executable file and follow the on-screen prompts to install the software on your Windows PC.
- 3. Sign in and sync: Log in with your email or social account to automatically enable cloud backup for your documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my Edge favorites disappear after a Windows update?
Windows updates can sometimes sign you out of your Microsoft account or switch your default browser profile in Edge. This makes it appear as if your favorites are missing, but they are usually still safely attached to your original profile.
Where are Microsoft Edge bookmarks stored locally on my PC?
Edge stores bookmarks locally in the AppData folder. You can usually find them by navigating to C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Edge\User Data\Default. Look for the files named 'Bookmarks' and 'Bookmarks.bak'.
Can I recover my favorites if the Bookmarks.bak file is overwritten?
If the local .bak file is overwritten and has a very small file size (e.g., 3 KB), and you do not have cloud synchronization enabled or another device with the saved favorites, the bookmarks are unfortunately permanently lost.
