Exporting and importing Internet Explorer favourites to Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge


We want to set you up for success when you take delivery of your brand-new Windows 11 computer. Follow the steps below to export and import internet favourites to Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge browsers.  

Internet Explorer (IE) officially became out of support with Microsoft as of June 15, 2022, meaning it is now discontinued, and it won’t be available on your new Windows 11 device.  

If you are using Internet Explorer 11 on your Windows 7 device, you will have to transition to another browser of your choice on your new laptop or desktop. This means you might want to back-up your browser’s favourites and export them to your new device. 

Available browsers in Windows 11 

Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome are faster, more secure and modern web browsers that you can use to navigate online.  

  • You can open Microsoft Edge from the Windows start menu or by clicking the Microsoft Edge icon if you see it on your desktop or taskbar.  
  • Google Chrome might not be automatically available on your device; therefore, you will have to download the browser from the internet.

Creating a HTM file to export your favourites 

A HTM file contains HTML language which constructs a web page. HTM files contains formatted text, images, and other elements in a way that can be translated with web browsers.  

Step 1: Export your favorites on Internet Explorer to an HTM file  

  1. In the Internet Explorer browser, select View favorites, feeds, and history (or select Alt + C) to open Favorites.
  2. Under the Add to favorites menu, select Import and export....
  3. Select Export to a file, and then select Next.
  4. On the checklist of options, select Favorites, and then select Next.
  5. Select the folder that you'd like to export your Favorites from, and then select Next.
  6. Type or browse to the location where you'd like your file exported.
  7. Select Export and then Finish.
  8. Your Favorites will now appear in an HTM file in the location you've specified.
  9. You'll need to be able to access this file on your Windows 10 device, so send this file to yourself, either by emailing it, by saving it onto an external storage device, or by saving it to the cloud (OneDrive). (Link to how to upload documents on One Drive) 

Step 2 (on Microsoft Edge): Import your favorites into Microsoft Edge in your Windows 10 or Windows 11 device 

Follow the below instructions on your new Windows 11 device: 

  1. Locate the HTM file that you exported from Internet Explorer. 
  2. In Microsoft Edge, select Favorites > More options   > Import favorites.
  3. Choose the file from your PC and your favorites will be imported into Edge.
  4. To view your imported favorites in Microsoft Edge, go to Favorites. 

Follow the below instructions on your new Windows 10 device: 

  1. Locate the HTM file that you exported from Internet Explorer.
  2. In Microsoft Edge, select Settings and more > Settings > Import or export > Import from file.
  3. Choose the file from your PC and your favorites will be imported into Edge.
  4. To view your imported favorites in Edge, go to Favorites. 

Step 2 (on Google Chrome): Import your favorites (bookmarks) into Google Chrome in your Windows 10 or Windows 11 device 

Note: In Google Chrome, Favourites are referred to as “Bookmarks”  

  1. On your device, open Google Chrome.
  2. At the top right, click More (displayed as three vertical dots).
  3. Select Bookmarks > Import Bookmarks and Settings.
  4. From the drop-down menu, select Bookmarks HTML file.
  5. Select Choose File.
  6. Click Import > Done.