How to Export and Reinstall Chrome Extensions 2026 👋 — Step-by-Step Guide
Short intro: Moving or backing up Chrome extensions still saves time in 2026. This guide shows exact, practical steps to export your installed extensions list, back up CRX files where possible, and reinstall them quickly on another machine or profile. No fluff — just the steps that work.
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H2: What this guide covers 🧠
- Why export extensions (backup, migration, auditing).
- Exact commands and paths for Windows and macOS.
- How to save CRX files (when allowed) and export just a list of extensions.
- Reinstalling extensions wholesale on a new profile or machine.
- Troubleshooting common permission and policy issues.
- Short personal notes and quick tips.
Target: users in the US, Canada, Australia, UK who want a reliable migration or backup method for Chrome extensions.
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H2: Quick overview — three practical options
- Option A: Export an extensions list (safe, simple).
- Option B: Save unpacked extension folders (full local backup).
- Option C: Download CRX files (when publisher allows) for portable installs.
Pick A for audits and quick reinstall via Web Store, B if you need developer copies or offline installs, C if you need archival CRX files.
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H2: Before you start — checklist
- Chrome desktop installed and signed into the correct profile.
- Administrative rights on your machine for some operations.
- Target machine/profile ready (if migrating).
- Optional: 7-Zip or a CRX downloader if you prefer CRX files.
Personal aside: I usually export the list and save unpacked folders for anything critical — quicker restores and no surprises.
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H2: Option A — Export extensions list (recommended first step)
Why: Fast, non-invasive, and policy-friendly. You can reinstall from the Chrome Web Store later.
Windows steps (exact, copy/paste ready):
1] Open Chrome and switch to the profile whose extensions you want to export.
2] Open Extensions page: chrome://extensions/ or click three-dot menu → More tools → Extensions.
3] Enable Developer mode (top-right toggle).
4] Open DevTools for the page (Ctrl+Shift+I) — optional for quick copy.
5] To get a machine-readable list, open a command prompt (or PowerShell) and run:
- PowerShell one-liner to extract extension IDs and names:
`powershell
$profilePath = "$env:USERPROFILE\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default"
$extDir = Join-Path $profilePath "Extensions"
Get-ChildItem $extDir -Directory | ForEach-Object {
$id = $_.Name
$manifest = Join-Path $_.FullName "manifest.json"
if (Test-Path $manifest) {
$m = Get-Content $manifest -Raw | ConvertFrom-Json
[PSCustomObject]@{ id=$id; name=$m.name; version=$m.version }
}
} | Export-Csv -Path "$env:USERPROFILE\Desktop\chrome-extensions-2026.csv" -NoTypeInformation -Encoding UTF8
`
Result: A CSV on your Desktop named chrome-extensions-2026.csv with columns id,name,version.
macOS steps (Terminal):
1] Quit Chrome (recommended).
2] Run this Terminal snippet (adjust user path):
`bash
PROFILE="$HOME/Library/Application Support/Google/Chrome/Default"
EXTDIR="$PROFILE/Extensions"
OUT="$HOME/Desktop/chrome-extensions-2026.csv"
echo "id,name,version" > "$OUT"
for d in "$EXTDIR"/*; do
if [ -d "$d" ]; then
id=$(basename "$d")
manifest=$(find "$d" -maxdepth 2 -name manifest.json -print -quit)
if [ -f "$manifest" ]; then
name=$(grep -oP '"name"\s:\s"\K[^"]+' "$manifest" | head -n1)
version=$(grep -oP '"version"\s:\s"\K[^"]+' "$manifest" | head -n1)
echo "$id,\"$name\",$version" >> "$OUT"
fi
fi
done
`
Note: Names may contain commas, the script wraps them in quotes.
Why this is useful: You can keep the CSV as a checklist and batch-reinstall from the Chrome Web Store by searching by name — or use the IDs to find direct store pages (see below).
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H2: Option B — Save unpacked extension folders (best for offline or dev)
Why: You get the full extension files — useful when an extension is unpublished or for dev debugging.
Windows exact steps:
1] Open chrome://extensions/ and enable Developer mode.
2] Find the extension and note its ID (the long string).
3] Navigate to the Extensions folder:
C:\Users\YourUser\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\<extension-id>\
4] Inside the extension-id folder you’ll see version folders (e.g., 1.2.3_0). Copy the entire version folder to your backup destination, e.g.:
C:\Backups\ChromeExtensions\<extension-id>-1.2.3\
macOS paths are analogous:
/Users/YourMacUser/Library/Application Support/Google/Chrome/Default/Extensions/<extension-id>/<version>/
How to reinstall unpacked extension:
1] On target machine/profile, open chrome://extensions/ and enable Developer mode.
2] Click "Load unpacked" and select the folder that contains the manifest.json (the version folder you copied).
3] Extension loads as an unpacked extension (developer mode required).
Caveat: Unpacked extensions run in developer mode and may not auto-update from Web Store. Good for temporary restores, debugging, or when a CRX isn’t available.
Personal note: I keep a few unpacked folders for security tools I rely on — quicker than hunting the web store.
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H2: Option C — Download CRX files (archival portable install)
Why: CRX is the packaged extension format; good for archival and offline installs. Many publishers and the Web Store discourage direct CRX downloading, and Chrome enforces strict installation policies for CRX files in normal mode.
Method (when allowed):
A. Using the Chrome Web Store ID:
- Chrome Web Store URL pattern: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/<extension-name>/<extension-id>
- You can form a direct CRX link via the Chrome Web Store developer API endpoint (some endpoints require authentication or are rate-limited). This method may break as Google changes policies.
B. Use a trustworthy CRX downloader service or a browser extension that exports CRX — be cautious: third-party sites can be unsafe.
C. Manual CRX creation (advanced) — pack extension via chrome://extensions → Pack extension (Developer mode):
1] Point "Extension root directory" to the unpacked folder you saved.
2] Optionally provide a private key to keep consistent ID.
3] Chrome creates a .crx and .pem key.
Use the produced .crx to distribute internally or archive. To install on a target machine, drag-and-drop the .crx onto chrome://extensions/ (older method) — modern Chrome blocks direct installs; for enterprise/deployment, use Group Policy or enterprise policies to whitelist extensions.
Security note: Only use CRX files from trusted sources. Don’t download unknown CRX files.
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H2: Reinstalling extensions quickly (bulk approach)
You can automate reinstalling via Web Store using the extension ID list:
1] For each extension ID in your CSV, open the Web Store URL:
https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/<extension-id>
(Replace <extension-id> with the actual ID). Example:
https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/aapbdbdomjkkjkaonfhkkikfgjllcleb
2] Click Add to Chrome. Repeat.
Semi-automated route: Use a small script that opens each store URL in a browser window so you can click Add once the pages load — avoids manual search by name.
Important: There’s no reliable, safe, fully automated “click Install” API on consumer Chrome without administrative tools. For fleets, use enterprise policies or deployment tools.
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H2: Deploying extensions on multiple machines (enterprise or power user)
- Windows Group Policy (AD) or Windows Registry can auto-install and force-install extensions by ID and update URL. Useful for IT admins.
- For small teams, create a step-by-step install script that opens store pages or provides unpacked folders to load using Developer mode.
Example enterprise registry key (Windows) — force-install an extension:
- Registry path: HKLM\Software\Policies\Google\Chrome\ExtensionInstallForcelist
- Set string value: 1 = <extension-id>;https://clients2.google.com/service/update2/crx
Caution: Registry edits and policies require admin privileges and understanding of IT policies.
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H2: Troubleshooting — common problems and fixes
Problem: Extensions won’t load when unpacked
- Fix: Ensure the folder contains manifest.json and correct version subfolder. Use "Load unpacked" and point to the folder containing manifest.json.
Problem: Extension disabled after reinstall
- Fix: Check if the extension is blocked by policy (chrome://policy) or by Chrome for security reasons. Reinstall from Web Store if available.
Problem: CRX install blocked
- Fix: Chrome blocks direct CRX installs by default. Use enterprise policy for forced installs or load unpacked for temporary use.
Problem: Missing extension data (settings, logins) after reinstall
- Fix: Settings and local storage often live in the extension's Local Storage or IndexedDB in your profile folder. Back up relevant storage folders under:
Windows example:
C:\Users\YourUser\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Local Extension Settings\<extension-id>\
To restore settings, replace the Local Extension Settings subfolder, then load the extension. This is advanced and may not always work across versions.
Personal tip: If an extension stores data in its own cloud account, log in after reinstall to restore settings.
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H2: Comparisons (no table) — Which backup method fits you
Export list (CSV)
- Pros: Fast, safe, easy to share.
- Cons: Requires Web Store reinstallation; no offline files.
Unpacked folders backup
- Pros: Full files, easy to load unpacked, good for unpublished extensions.
- Cons: Developer mode required, won’t auto-update.
CRX archive
- Pros: Portable single-file archive.
- Cons: Harder to install in modern Chrome; policy and security friction.
My recommendation: Export CSV + copy unpacked folders for anything critical. Use CRX only if you need a single-file archive and understand enterprise install requirements.
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H2: Quick commands and file paths
- Windows Extensions folder: C:\Users\YourUser\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions
- macOS Extensions folder: /Users/YourMacUser/Library/Application Support/Google/Chrome/Default/Extensions
- chrome://extensions — Extensions manager URL
- chrome://policy — View applied Chrome policies
Shortcuts:
- Open Extensions: chrome://extensions/
- Developer mode toggle: top-right on chrome://extensions/
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H2: FAQs — short practical answers
Q: Can I copy Chrome extensions from one OS to another?
A: Yes, unpacked folders and CRX archives are cross-platform in most cases, but native binaries or OS-specific components may differ. Test critical extensions.
Q: Will reinstalling extensions restore their settings?
A: Not automatically. Some extensions store settings in cloud accounts; others use local storage. Back up Local Extension Settings and extension storage if you need settings restored.
Q: Are there legal or policy issues saving CRX files?
A: Generally okay for personal backup; redistributing CRX files may violate publisher terms. For enterprise deployment, follow official licensing and policies.
Q: Can Chrome block my unpacked extension?
A: Chrome may warn and disable extensions from unknown sources. Unpacked extensions run only with Developer mode on.
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H2: What you can take away 📝
- Export a CSV list first — it’s quick, safe, and searchable.
- Back up unpacked folders for full offline copies and for cases when the Web Store removes an extension.
- Use CRX sparingly and with caution; modern Chrome prefers Web Store installs or enterprise policy installs.
- Back up Local Extension Settings if you want to preserve state — advanced but useful.
- For team rollouts, use enterprise policies — they’re the clean method.
Personal line: I keep a small "extension vault"—CSV + three unpacked folders for productivity addons I rely on. Saved me twice when an extension vanished from the Web Store.
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H2: Sources and further reading
- Chrome Help — Manage extensions: https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/187443?hl=en
- Chrome enterprise docs — Extension management: https://developer.chrome.com/docs/extensions/mv3/external_extensions/
- Community guides on unpacking and packing extensions: https://developer.chrome.com/docs/extensions/mv3/getstarted/packaging/
Related: "How to Export Chrome Bookmarks to Edge" and "Backup Chrome Bookmarks Automatically 2026" — both helpful when migrating profiles.
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H2: Why this matters in 2026 — short wrap
Extensions are small but critical tools. Having a practical export and reinstall plan protects your workflow when browsers change, extensions are removed, or profiles get corrupted. Export the list, save unpacked copies for the few you can’t live without, and use enterprise tools for larger rollouts. Do it now — before you need it.
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