How to Move Your Chrome Settings & Extensions Without the Sync Stress by ayie

Hey there! Ever set up a new computer and felt that sigh of disappointment when your beloved Chrome extensions and carefully tweaked settings didn’t come along for the ride? Maybe you tried copying the AppData folder or fiddling with the registry, only to end up with a blank browser staring back at you.

You’re not alone.

Google’s Sync feature is great — when it works. But sometimes you just want a simple, offline way to bring your Chrome personality with you. Maybe you’re setting up a work computer, helping a friend, or just prefer keeping things local.

Well, grab a cup of coffee ☕ — I’ve got you covered.

🧳 What You’ll Need:

Two computers (both running Windows — this guide uses Server 2019, but Win 10/11 works too)
The same version of Chrome on both (check with chrome://version)
A little patience (and maybe a USB drive or network share)

🧭 Step-by-Step: The Chrome Profile Move

🔒 Step 1: Gently Close Chrome (Really.)

Before anything, make sure Chrome is fully closed. Not just the window — we’re talking all the background processes.

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
Scroll through and end any chrome.exe tasks.
Breathe. This is already a good start.

📂 Step 2: Copy Your User Data Folder

Your Chrome soul lives in a folder called User Data. Here’s where to find it:

C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data

Copy the whole User Data folder and paste it somewhere safe — like a USB drive or cloud folder. This contains your extensions, cookies, history, and settings.

🔧 Step 3: Export Those Registry Keys (Don’t Worry — It’s Easy)

Yeah, the registry sounds scary. But it’s just a quick export:

Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.

Navigate to:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Google\Chrome

Right-click the Chrome folder → Export.
Save it as chrome_backup.reg.

Do the same for:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Google\Chrome\PreferenceMACs

These files are tiny. Save them right next to your User Data folder.

🖥️ Step 4: Set Up on the New PC

On your new machine:

Install the same version of Chrome (check chrome://version to match).
Close Chrome completely (yes, again — use Task Manager).
Copy your User Data folder into:
```
C:\Users\[NewUsername]\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\
```
Replace what’s there if asked.

🔑 Step 5: Permissions & Registry Magic

This part matters — especially on Windows Server.

✅ Take Ownership of the Folder:

Right-click the User Data folder → Properties → Security → Advanced.
Click Change next to Owner.
Enter your username, check ✅ Replace owner on subcontainers and objects.
Click OK. Then give yourself Full Control in the Permissions tab.

✅ Import Your Registry File:

If your username is the same on both PCs: just double-click chrome_backup.reg and say Yes.
If your username changed: right-click the .reg file → Edit → replace all old usernames with the new one → Save → then merge.

🌟 Step 6: Fire It Up

Open Chrome. Be casual.

Head to:

chrome://extensions — see all your friends there?
chrome://settings — everything look familiar?

If an extension is shy and doesn’t load, try enabling Developer Mode in chrome://extensions and hit Update. It usually wakes them up.

🍵 Extra Tips For a Smooth Move

If you’re only after bookmarks, use Bookmarks → Export in Chrome.
For passwords, go to chrome://settings/passwords and export (you’ll need your Windows login).
Same Chrome versions are key — avoid heartbreak by double-checking.

💬 Final Thought

You did it! No Sync, no fuss — just you, a few files, and a browser that feels like home.

If things don’t work perfectly the first time, don’t sweat it. Computers sense urgency 😄. Take a breath, retrace the steps, and maybe check those permissions again.

Hope this brings a little calm to your tech life. If you have questions, drop them below — I’m here to help.

Happy browsing,
Ayie