We're calling on all EU-based Mozillians with iOS or iPadOS devices to help us monitor Apple’s new browser choice screens. Join the effort to hold Big Tech to account!

This site will have limited functionality while we undergo maintenance to improve your experience. If an article doesn't solve your issue and you want to ask a question, we have our support community waiting to help you at @FirefoxSupport on Twitter and/r/firefox on Reddit.

Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

Will Firefox retrieve all my passwords and bookmarks if I reinstall Windows?

  • 2 replies
  • 2 have this problem
  • 2 views
  • Last reply by cor-el

more options

I need to reinstall Windows. This will erase Firefox. When I install Firefox, will it retrieve my bookmarks and passwords automatically once I sign into the Firefox account?

I need to reinstall Windows. This will erase Firefox. When I install Firefox, will it retrieve my bookmarks and passwords automatically once I sign into the Firefox account?

All Replies (2)

more options

It might. But, it might not. Sync is not meant as a backup.

You should copy all files on your hard drive that you want to an external hard drive.


This is another way;

Type about:support<enter> in the address bar.

Under the page logo on the left side, you will see Application Basics. Under this find Profile Folder. To its right press the button Show Folder.

Windows: Show Folder; Linux: Open Directory; Mac: Show in Finder

Linux: Under the page logo on the left side, you will see Application Basics. Under this find Profile Directory. To its right press the button Open Directory.

Now Close Firefox. This is your current profile. Copy the folder As Is to a folder on a thumb drive. Then Copy the folder to the new system.

more options