Quick answer: To backup Chrome passwords before reinstalling Windows, use Chrome's built-in CSV export (chrome://settings/passwords → Export), or use Browser Password Recovery Tool for a faster, more complete export that also works when Chrome is not synced.
In This Guide
Method 1: Chrome Built-in Password Export
Chrome includes a built-in export feature. It exports to a CSV file that can be imported back after reinstalling.
Steps:
- Open Chrome and go to
chrome://settings/passwords - Click the three-dot menu next to "Saved Passwords"
- Click Export passwords
- Enter your Windows PIN or password when prompted
- Save the CSV file to a USB drive or external storage
Important
The exported CSV file contains all your passwords in plain text. Store it on an encrypted USB drive or delete it immediately after importing on the new Windows installation.
Method 2: Browser Password Recovery Tool (Recommended)
Browser Password Recovery Tool provides a more complete export — it recovers passwords from Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and 70+ other browsers simultaneously, including custom Chromium-based browsers that Chrome's built-in export misses.
Browser Password Recovery Tool
Export Chrome passwords before reinstalling — plus Edge, Firefox, Opera, Brave and 70+ more browsers at once.
- ✓ Exports all browsers in one step (not one at a time)
- ✓ Works without Chrome needing to be open
- ✓ No Google account required
- ✓ CSV and TXT export formats
- ✓ Free trial shows all recoverable passwords
Method 3: Google Account Sync
If you use Chrome signed into a Google account with sync enabled, your passwords are backed up to Google's servers automatically. After reinstalling Windows, simply sign into Chrome with the same Google account and all passwords restore immediately.
How to verify sync is on:
- Click your profile icon in Chrome (top right)
- Click the gear icon to open sync settings
- Confirm "Passwords" is enabled under what is being synced
Sync does not cover everything
Some passwords saved without being signed into Google will not sync. If you have multiple Chrome profiles or have ever used Chrome without a Google account, those passwords only exist locally.
How to Import Chrome Passwords on New Windows
After reinstalling Windows and installing Chrome:
- Go to
chrome://settings/passwords - Click the three-dot menu next to "Saved Passwords"
- Click Import passwords
- Select the CSV file you exported before reinstalling
Chrome will import all passwords. Duplicates are automatically handled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Summary
Use Chrome's built-in export for a quick single-browser backup, or Browser Password Recovery Tool for a complete backup of all browsers at once. Always export to an external drive or USB stick — not to the same drive you are about to format.
Download Browser Password Recovery Tool — Free Trial