Can I import bookmarks in Edge from an html file and APPEND them to existing bookmarks

Question

I have an exported Favorites file from another Edge browser computer. If I import them to a second computer (Windows 11) that already has favorites can I APPEND them to the existing favorites of the second computer ? I tried and it seems to indicate that the import was successful but when I viewed the favorites on the second computer, they were not showing - only the original list on the first computer. How can I achieve this APPEND sucessfully ?

Answer 1

Hello John, Yes, you can import bookmarks from an HTML file into Microsoft Edge and append them to your existing favorites but the behavior depends on how Edge processes the import.

When you import from an HTML file, Edge typically places the new bookmarks into a separate folder called “Imported” within your Favorites. This means they don’t overwrite your existing favorites, but they also don’t merge directly into your current folders unless you manually move them afterward.

To ensure the imported bookmarks are appended properly:

Open Edge, go to the Favorites menu (Ctrl + Shift + O).

Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner and choose “Import Favorites.”

Select “Favorites or bookmarks HTML file” and choose your file.

After import, check for a folder named “Imported” in your Favorites bar or Favorites menu.

If you don’t see the folder, try restarting Edge or checking under Other Favorites. Occasionally, Edge may not display the imported folder immediately due to sync delays or UI quirks.

Answer 2

I can not seem to find the imported html file that I wanted to append to the favorites. How do I find it? Where is the "Imported" folder ?

Also, is it part of the file named BOOKMARKS in the applicable folder. Initially, I had to copy the entire BOOKMARKS file from an old Edge browser/computer to this one. But before I did that, I exported the new bookmarks to a html file.

What methods should be utilized to import the new bookmarks successfully so I can view them also?, i.e.. Import html file?

I should say, that I copied the BOOKMARKS file(s) before attempting this so I can copy them back if needed.

Answer 3

Hello, John. Thanks for getting back and for laying out the full process clearly. I can see you've been methodical about preserving both sets of bookmarks. Let's discuss what is happening.

When you manually replace the BOOKMARKS file in User Data\Default, Edge does not merge or append as it loads only the contents of that file. So if you will overwrite the Windows 11 BOOKMARKS file with the one from Windows 7, Edge will show only the older favorites. That is why your imported HTML file did not appear. Edge never actually processed it, it just read the raw file you swapped in.

To properly append bookmarks from an HTML file, you will need to restore the original Windows 11 BOOKMARKS file first and then use the Edge's built in import function.

Please note that the BOOKMARKS file is a JSON structure, and Edge doesn't parse or merge it dynamically. It expects a valid format and loads it wholesale. If you manually combine two BOOKMARKS files, you will need to merge the JSON objects carefully especially the "roots" section without corrupting the structure. That is also risky and not officially supported.

Best regards,