Copy Firefox profile to another PC
I have Firefox 129.0 64 bit on 2 laptops, Laptop2023 and Laptop2024. I would like Laptop2024 to match Laptop2023. If possible, would like to copy the Profile, or at least the Bookmarks. The web articles direct me to Help options which do not exist. I do not want to reset anything on the sending laptop.
I have instructions on how to copy bookmarks from years ago, but Firefox has changed so much that they no longer work. How to I copy with the current Firefox version? If possible, email bjedrick@verizon.net.
Réiteach roghnaithe
Barry, before attempting anything I would reccomend making a backup copy of both machine's profiles.
see this link for both how to backup a profile, and also how to import the data from one machine to another. https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/back-and-restore-information-firefox-profiles
Although if you would be happy just to import bookmarks, then you could export the set from one machine to a file, copy it to a stick for example, and then import the bookmarks from this file on the other machine.
To transfer just the bookmarks do the following (but note that this will overwrite all bookmarks in the target profile with those from the source profile):
- in the source profile open the bookmarks library by pressing ctrl+shift+O.
- go to the "Import and Backup" menu at the top, and select "Backup…"
- choose where to save this backup file.
- copy this file to a USB stick, say.
- in the target profile repeat the steps above, but this time select "Restore" then "Choose File…" from the "Import and Backup" menu.
- in the dialogue box that opens, select the bookmarks file from the stick (or wherever you have placed it), to complete the transfer.
All Replies (4)
Réiteach Roghnaithe
Barry, before attempting anything I would reccomend making a backup copy of both machine's profiles.
see this link for both how to backup a profile, and also how to import the data from one machine to another. https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/back-and-restore-information-firefox-profiles
Although if you would be happy just to import bookmarks, then you could export the set from one machine to a file, copy it to a stick for example, and then import the bookmarks from this file on the other machine.
To transfer just the bookmarks do the following (but note that this will overwrite all bookmarks in the target profile with those from the source profile):
- in the source profile open the bookmarks library by pressing ctrl+shift+O.
- go to the "Import and Backup" menu at the top, and select "Backup…"
- choose where to save this backup file.
- copy this file to a USB stick, say.
- in the target profile repeat the steps above, but this time select "Restore" then "Choose File…" from the "Import and Backup" menu.
- in the dialogue box that opens, select the bookmarks file from the stick (or wherever you have placed it), to complete the transfer.
Athraithe ag TechHorse ar
You can copy certain files with Firefox closed from one profile folder to the current profile folder to transfer your personal data. Note that best is to avoid restoring a full profile folder and only restore important files that are safe to restore/transfer.
- bookmarks and history: places.sqlite
- favicons: favicons.sqlite
- bookmark backups: compressed .jsonlz4 JSON backups in the bookmarkbackups folder
- cookies.sqlite for the Cookies
- formhistory.sqlite for saved autocomplete Form Data
- logins.json (encrypted logins) and key4.db (encryption key/primary password) for logins saved in the Password Manager
- cert9.db for certificates stored in the Certificate Manager
- persdict.dat for words added to the spell checker dictionary
- permissions.sqlite for Permissions and possibly content-prefs.sqlite for other website specific data (Site Preferences)
- sessionstore.jsonlz4 for open tabs and pinned tabs (see also the sessionstore-backups folder)
I am 82, and not tech savvy, so this stuff is a challenge for me. Copying the profile was beyond me, but following your instructions, I was able to copy bookmarks, and I am fine with that, so thank you.
I was also able to get the Home button back on the toolbar thanks to help someone gave me in 2023.
Do you have the ability to those who design the website to put it back, and also to just have an Import/Export option for the Profile and Bookmarks? Most of what they consider improvements just make things more difficult for us older folks.
Again, thank you.
Barry, glad that exporting / importing your bookmarks was successful.
If you wished to make a feature suggestion to Mozilla, then the best way to do this is to go to the Help menu (alt+H) and select "Share Ideas and Feedback…". This takes you to the Mozilla Connect website.
Just to note, you can also go to the homepage by pressing alt+home. Although I appreciate that a visible button is simpler, and glad you got that back as well.