To get your saved links out of the browser, start by opening Microsoft Edge on your computer. Look for the three dots in the top right corner of the window and click them to open the main menu. From that list, select the option labeled Favorites. A new smaller menu will appear, and you need to click the three dots found at the top of that specific menu. Select Export favorites from the list of choices. Finally, choose where you want to save the file on your computer and click Save. You now have a file containing all your bookmarks.
How to export Edge bookmarks – step by step guide
This section breaks down the entire process into small pieces so you do not get lost. We are going to take the saved websites currently living inside your browser and turn them into a file. You can move this file around just like a photo or a document.
Step 1: Open the main menu in Microsoft Edge
You need to locate the button that controls the browser settings. It looks like three horizontal dots arranged in a line. You will find this icon in the very top right corner of your screen.
Step 2: Click on the Favorites option
Once the menu drops down, you will see a list of different tools. Look for the word Favorites next to a star icon. Clicking this opens up the area where your saved sites live.
Step 3: Open the Favorites settings menu
This part can be a little tricky because there are two sets of dots. Look inside the new Favorites window that just popped up. You want to click the three dots located at the top of that specific panel.
Step 4: Select Export favorites from the list
A new list of actions will appear after you click those dots. Scan down the list until you see the words Export favorites. Click on that text to start the saving process.
Step 5: Save the HTML file to your computer
Your computer will open a window asking you where to put the new file. Pick a folder that is easy to remember, like your Documents or Desktop. Click the Save button to finish the job.
After you click that final save button, a new file appears in the folder you chose. It is usually an HTML file. This means your bookmarks are now safe outside of the browser. You can email this file to yourself or put it on a USB drive. If your computer crashes or you buy a new one, you have a backup ready to go.
Tips for how to export Edge bookmarks
- Create a folder specifically for browser backups so you do not lose the file later.
- Rename the file with today’s date so you know exactly when you saved it.
- Delete old or broken bookmarks before you export so your backup is clean and organized.
- Save a copy of the file to a cloud service like Google Drive or OneDrive for extra safety.
- Make it a habit to export your bookmarks once a month if you add new sites often.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of file does Edge create?
Edge creates an HTML file. This is a standard web page format. Almost every web browser in the world can read this file type.
Will exporting my bookmarks delete them from Edge?
No, it does not delete anything. It simply makes a copy of what you already have. Your browser will look exactly the same after you finish.
Can I use this file on a Mac or a Chromebook?
Yes, you can use this file on any operating system. Because it is an HTML file, it works on Windows, macOS, and Linux. You just need to import it into the browser on that machine.
Does this export my passwords too?
No, this process only exports your favorite websites. Passwords are saved differently for security reasons. You have to use a different setting to export passwords.
Why is the export option grayed out?
This sometimes happens if your computer is managed by a school or workplace. They might have turned off the ability to move data. You might need to ask your IT department for help.
Summary
- Open the main menu in Microsoft Edge
- Click on the Favorites option
- Open the Favorites settings menu
- Select Export favorites from the list
- Save the HTML file to your computer
Conclusion
Taking the time to back up your digital life is one of the smartest things you can do. We often spend years collecting recipes, research, and favorite videos without thinking about it. Imagine if your computer suddenly stopped working tomorrow. You would lose all those helpful links instantly. That is why learning how to save these links is so valuable. It acts like an insurance policy for your internet history.
The file you created is very versatile. You are not stuck using Microsoft Edge forever just because you started there. Since the file is standard HTML, you can take your digital library with you to Chrome, Firefox, or Safari. It gives you freedom. You are the owner of your data, not the browser.
I recommend doing this every time you finish a big project or find a really important site. It only takes a few seconds. The peace of mind you get is worth the small effort. You never know when a hard drive might fail or a software update might go wrong. Now that you know how to export edge bookmarks, you are prepared for whatever happens to your technology. Keep that file safe, and your digital journey will always be secure.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.