Tech tip: Break up with your browser

March 12, 2024

By Kim Komando

It’s not you, Explorer. It’s me. Just kidding, it’s definitely you. If your relationship with your current browser is getting stale, you can get a fresh window on the web without losing all of your data.

It’s easier than you’d think to pack up your bookmarks, saved passwords and favorite websites — hint, hint — and move on. You can count on me, your tech-relationship guru, for advice on switching when you’re ready to see other browsers.

Pro tip: Most browsers now come with an export feature, but here’s something you might not know. It’s actually easier to open your new browser and import. Here’s how to get going in a new browser the easy way.

Getting started with Google Chrome

If you’re going by popularity, Chrome may be your best bet — over half of the world’s internet users are on it! You can search Google right from the address bar, easily share files via Gmail, and add browser extensions for just about anything. To pull in your sites and preferences:

• Click the three dots in the top corner of Chrome, then pick Bookmarks and lists > Import bookmarks and settings.
• Choose your ex, I mean old browser, in the next box. Select which data you want to get, like bookmarks, and you’re set. 

Trying out Microsoft Edge

If you’re a diehard Microsoft fan, its Explorer replacement, Edge, is a robust browser with lots of built-in privacy features. It offers protection from trackers and blocks ad providers from monitoring your activity and learning more about you. To import your old browser’s data:

• Click on the three dots (top right) and select Profiles > Import browser data. 
• Open the drop-down menu at the top of the next dialog to choose the browser you’re moving from, then use the checkboxes to select data types (like browsing history).

Giving Apple Safari a go

If you recently switched to a Mac, the default browser, Safari, is convenient and offers great privacy protection. It blocks malicious websites, pop-ups, and cross-site tracking, so you can browse without worrying about being followed. 

Plus, Safari’s built-in password manager lets you know if a site you saved was involved in a data breach and helps you change your password. Switching over is simple:

• Head to the File menu and then select Import From. You can choose another browser on your system and the types of data, like passwords.

There are other browsers worth including, like Opera, Firefox and Brave — here’s an in-depth ranking on my site! Stick with the big names and things will work easier across the board. And, if you use the same browser on your phone and laptop, you’ll have your saved passwords across all your devices. Love that.

But heck, breaking up with your browser isn’t that hard! Now, if you’re parting ways with someone in your romantic life, don’t forget to cleanse your digital life, too. 

😂 Sometimes, I go around to random Windows computers and delete the default browser — just to take the Edge off. (I heard you laugh.)