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uk Technology & digital loss bookmarks disappeared after update • browser bookmarks missing • browser history missing • extensions disappeared • chrome bookmarks gone • edge favorites missing • firefox bookmarks missing • new browser profile appeared • signed out of browser sync • sync overwrote bookmarks • browser reset after update • lost saved passwords and history • bookmarks bar empty • extensions disabled after update • missing favourites after windows update • browser data seems wiped • profile switched to guest mode • bookmarks not showing but still exist • after update everything reset

What to do if…
your browser bookmarks, history, or extensions disappear after an update

Short answer

Stop making changes and avoid reinstalling or “resetting” the browser. First confirm you’re in the right browser profile and that sync hasn’t swapped you to an empty or older copy.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t uninstall/reinstall the browser yet (it can overwrite local recovery files).
  • Don’t use “Reset settings”, “Refresh”, or “Create new profile” as a first move.
  • Don’t turn sync on/off repeatedly across multiple devices (it can propagate the wrong version everywhere).
  • Don’t run “cleanup” tools that delete browser profiles/caches (they can remove backups).
  • Don’t assume it’s gone forever—this is often a profile switch, sync issue, or disabled items.

What to do now

  1. Freeze the situation (30 seconds).

    • Close extra browser windows. Don’t clear history/cache.
    • If you’re on a work/school device, note it may be managed—pause and consider involving IT before making “repair” changes.

  2. Check you’re in the correct profile (this fixes a lot).

    • Look for a profile icon (often top-right). If you see Guest or a new profile name, switch back to your usual profile.
    • If there are multiple profiles, open each briefly to see if your bookmarks/extensions appear.

  3. Work out where the “good copy” is before you let anything sync.

    • Check another device (phone/laptop) where you normally use the same browser/account. If that device still shows the correct bookmarks, treat it as your reference copy.
    • On the device that looks “empty”, avoid actions that might push changes outward (for example “reset sync” or repeated sign-in/out loops) until you’ve confirmed which copy is correct.

  4. Check sync status, but avoid “reset sync” actions.

    • See whether you’ve been signed out (common after updates) and whether bookmarks/favourites and extensions are set to sync.
    • If your reference device has the correct data, keep it stable while you bring the “empty” device back into line.

  5. Look for built-in bookmark backup/restore (browser-specific).

    • Firefox: use the Bookmarks Manager “Restore” option to restore from automatic backups.
    • Chrome/Chromium-based browsers: check the Bookmark Manager for “Other bookmarks” and any imported/restored folders.
    • Edge: confirm favourites sync is enabled and restart the browser once; sometimes data returns after a short delay.

  6. If extensions vanished, check whether they were disabled (not removed).

    • Open the extensions page and look for toggles/disabled items.
    • If the browser says extensions are disabled “by your organisation”, treat it as managed-device policy and involve IT.

  7. If you suspect account compromise (unexpected sign-out, unknown extensions, changed search/homepage):

    • Change the password for the browser account (Google/Microsoft/Firefox account) from a trusted device, enable two-step verification if available, and review recent sign-ins.
    • Run a reputable security scan on the device.
    • If you’ve been affected by cyber crime or fraud in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, report it to Report Fraud (online or by phone). If you live in Scotland, report via Police Scotland on 101.

What can wait

  • You don’t need to decide today whether to switch browsers, rebuild bookmarks manually, or install new “recovery” software.
  • You don’t need to tidy extensions, reorganise folders, or “clean up” your computer right now.
  • You don’t need to reset sync or wipe profiles as a first step—those are last resorts after you’ve located a good copy or a backup.
  • Once things are back, you can later export/bookmark-backup for peace of mind—but not during the panic phase.

Important reassurance

This often looks catastrophic but is frequently reversible: a different profile opened, sync signed you out, or items were disabled after the update. The safest approach is to slow down and confirm where your data lives before you do anything that might overwrite it.

Scope note

These are first steps to stabilise the situation and avoid irreversible loss. If the built-in restore/sync checks don’t bring it back, the next stage is careful, browser-specific recovery from profile folders and backups (best done slowly, or with help if you’re not confident).

Important note

This is general information, not professional IT or legal advice. If the device is managed by an employer/school, follow their policies and use their support channels. If you think criminal access is involved, prioritise account security and appropriate reporting.

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