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How to Export and Backup Google Chrome Browser Extensions

Google Chrome extensions provide additional functionality and customization options to enhance your browsing experience. However, extensions can sometimes be removed from the Chrome Web Store or become incompatible after Chrome updates. Therefore, it is important to know how to properly back up your extensions for safekeeping and easy reinstallation if needed. This guide will cover several methods to export and backup extensions on Google Chrome.

Why You Should Backup Your Extensions

Here are some key reasons why you should backup your Chrome extensions:

  • Preserve discontinued or removed extensions – If an extension gets removed from the Chrome Web Store, you’ll still have a copy to reinstall manually.
  • Restore after reinstalling Chrome – If you need to reinstall Chrome for any reason, having a backup allows you to quickly restore your extensions too.
  • Sync extensions across Chrome installs – You can transfer extension backups across different Chrome installs on other devices or profiles.
  • Revert to previous extension versions – The backup contains the actual extension files, allowing you to revert back to older versions if an update causes issues.

Chrome Extension Basics

Before learning how to export extensions, let’s cover some key facts about how they are stored and managed in Chrome:

  • Extensions are installed for each separate Chrome profile, and are not synced by default across different profiles.
  • The extension files are stored locally on your computer, in a special folder location that may be hidden.
  • You can view and manage all installed extensions by going to chrome://extensions in your browser.
  • Extensions installed from the Chrome Web Store have a private encryption key tied to your profile.

Method 1: Manual Backup

The manual method involves locating the extension folders on your hard drive and copying them to a safe storage location:

Step 1: Enable Developer Mode

In chrome://extensions, check the box for Developer mode in the top right. This allows you to view technical details and pack extensions.

Step 2: Locate Extension Folder

Note down the unique ID listed below each extension. Then open your file explorer and paste this path:

%UserProfile%\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions

This takes you to the extensions folder. Look for the folder named with the ID of the extension you want to backup.

Step 3: Copy Extension Folder

Copy this target extension folder to a safe location like an external drive or cloud storage. The folder contains the extension files needed to restore it later.

Step 4: Repeat For Other Extensions

Follow steps 2 and 3 to locate and copy over the folders of other extensions you wish to backup as well.

Method 2: Export CRX Files

Alternatively, you can export extensions directly from chrome://extensions as CRX package files:

Step 1: Click “Pack extension”

In chrome://extensions, make sure Developer mode is enabled then click Pack extension for the extension you want to export.

Step 2: Select Extension Root Directory

A popup will appear. Click Browse next to Extension root directory.

Step 3: Choose Extension Folder

Navigate to and select that extension’s folder, then click Select.

Step 4: Pack Extension

Click Pack Extension. This will generate a CRX file in that folder.

Step 5: Transfer CRX File

Copy the CRX file to another location for safe storage and future reinstallation.

Step 6: Repeat

Follow steps 1-5 for any other extensions you wish to back up.

Method 3: Use Extension Manager

The Extension Manager is an app you can install for easier backup and syncing of extensions:

Step 1: Install Extension Manager

Search and install Extension Manager from the Chrome Web Store.

Step 2: Export Extensions

In Extension Manager, click Export extensions then select the extensions to export and click Export.

Step 3: Save Exported File

Choose where to save the exported file containing your extension backups.

To restore extensions later, you can click Import extensions in Extension Manager and select this file.

Method 4: Use a Backup Extension

There are also backup extensions like Extension Backup that can automatically backup your other extensions:

Step 1: Install Backup Extension

Install and setup Extension Backup from the Chrome Web Store.

Step 2: Select Extensions to Backup

It will detect all your installed extensions and allow you to choose which to backup.

Step 3: Save Backups

Then select where to save the backup files containing those extensions.

Tips for Restoring Extensions

When it comes time to restore your backed up extensions, follow these useful tips:

  • Make sure Chrome is completely closed when restoring extensions.
  • Drag and drop the CRX files or extension folders to chrome://extensions to reinstall.
  • If the backups are from another Windows profile, restore to the same user folder location.
  • For CRX files, Chrome may show warnings about unpacked extensions – click Load unpacked to confirm installation.
  • Refresh chrome://extensions if any restored extensions don’t immediately appear.

Conclusion

I hope this guide has helped explain why and how you should properly backup your Google Chrome extensions. Following these manual or automated methods will ensure you always have a safe copy of all your useful extensions in case they become unavailable later on. Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions!

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