How to back up Chrome tabs and tab groups
Dozens of tabs open for a project? Here's how to save them so a crash, an update or a new laptop doesn't wipe them out.
Chrome doesn't have a single "back up my tabs" button. You can combine a few built-in tools, or use an extension that keeps backups automatically. Here are both.
Option 1: Bookmark all open tabs
Press Ctrl+Shift+D (Windows, Linux, ChromeOS) or Cmd+Shift+D (Mac). Chrome saves every tab in the current window into a new bookmark folder. Repeat for each window.
Downsides: it's manual, it's one window at a time, and it doesn't keep pinned tabs or tab groups as groups.
Option 2: Save your tab groups
Recent versions of Chrome can save tab groups. Right-click a group's name and check that Save group is switched on. Saved groups appear at the left of the bookmarks bar, and if sync is on they follow you to other computers.
Downsides: it only covers tabs you've put in groups, and it holds the group's current state rather than a history.
Option 3: Export bookmarks to a file
Open the Bookmark manager (Ctrl+Shift+O or Cmd+Option+B), open its three-dot menu and choose Export bookmarks. You get an HTML file you can keep in cloud storage or import into another browser. Do this after option 1 and your tabs are captured in a portable file.
Option 4: Automatic backups with Workspace Recovery Vault
Workspace Recovery Vault saves a verified restore point of every window, tab, pinned tab and tab group every 5 minutes and after changes. You don't have to remember anything.
- History: go back to any restore point from the last 7 days for free, or up to a year with Pro.
- Portable backups: export a readable JSON file or a passphrase-encrypted archive and import it on another computer or profile.
- Selective restore: preview what's missing and bring back only the tabs or groups you choose, in new windows.
- Bring existing lists: import OneTab text exports and Session Buddy JSON exports.
- Private: stored in your Chrome profile, with no page contents, passwords or Incognito tabs. Optional Pro cloud copies are encrypted on your device first.
Which should you use?
| Bookmark all tabs | Saved tab groups | Workspace Recovery Vault | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automatic | No | Yes, current state | Yes, every 5 minutes |
| All windows at once | No | Grouped tabs only | Yes |
| Keeps pinned tabs and groups | No | Groups only | Yes |
| History of earlier sessions | No | No | Yes |
| Encrypted backup file | No | No | Yes |
If you've already lost tabs, see how to restore Chrome tabs after a crash.