Automatic Chrome session backup with periodic snapshots

Remembering to save is unreliable right before a crash, so Tabwell can capture the current Chrome window on a background timer. Free uses a 60-minute interval and retains one automatic recovery slot within its five-snapshot total limit. Pro lets you choose 5, 15, 30, or 60 minutes and configure how many automatic snapshots to retain. The timer records the current window's tab order and native group structure in local IndexedDB. Closing Chrome does not trigger a fresh capture: the last-window event records a graceful-shutdown marker, while an unexpected shutdown can make the next launch offer the latest periodic auto-snapshot. That distinction matters because recovery is only as recent as the last successful timer capture or manual save. This guide explains the real cadence, what an automatic snapshot contains, how crash detection uses the latest automatic recovery point, and when to make a manual save or JSON export before a planned update.

What the periodic backup captures

On each timer tick, Tabwell reads the current Chrome window through chrome.tabs and chrome.tabGroups. It stores the tab order plus each native group's title, color, and collapsed state in local IndexedDB. An automatic snapshot is a recovery point for that single window, not a cloud backup or a combined capture of multiple windows.

Cadence and retention by tier

Free — a 60-minute interval, up to five snapshots total, and one automatic recovery slot. When the current window is unchanged, Tabwell can refresh the existing automatic snapshot timestamp instead of adding a duplicate.
Pro — selectable 5, 15, 30, or 60-minute intervals, unlimited total snapshots, and configurable automatic-snapshot retention.

Every install starts with a local 14-day Pro trial. Current prices, purchase options, and terms are listed on the pricing page.

What happens at shutdown

Periodic auto-snapshots keep a recent recovery point. After an unexpected shutdown, Tabwell can offer the latest periodic auto-snapshot when crash recovery is enabled; closing Chrome does not create a new snapshot at that moment. For a planned browser update or restart, make a manual snapshot immediately before relaunching if you need an exact recovery point.

Confirm and restore a recovery point

Install Tabwell from the Chrome Web Store and open its side panel.
Check the snapshot list for the most recent automatic entry and its timestamp.
After an unexpected shutdown, use the recovery prompt or select that snapshot manually.
Restore it to recreate the saved window, tab order, and native group structure.

Privacy and portable backup

Snapshots, tab titles, and URLs stay in local IndexedDB. Billing and license requests use Tabwell's billing service and Polar without sending tab data. Optional redacted crash diagnostics can be enabled; they are off by default. See the privacy policy.

For an off-device copy, export snapshots to JSON. A JSON export is separate from the periodic local recovery slot and remains the safer choice before maintenance you control.

FAQ

How often does Tabwell create an automatic snapshot?

Free uses a 60-minute interval. Pro lets you choose 5, 15, 30, or 60 minutes. A timer tick can refresh the latest automatic snapshot when the current window has not changed.

How many automatic snapshots does Free retain?

Free retains one automatic recovery slot within its limit of up to five snapshots total. Pro supports configurable automatic-snapshot retention and unlimited total snapshots.

Does Tabwell create a new snapshot when Chrome closes?

No. Closing the last window records a graceful-shutdown marker, not a new snapshot. After an unexpected shutdown, Tabwell can offer the latest periodic auto-snapshot that already exists.

What if Chrome crashes before the next timer capture?

Recovery uses the latest periodic auto-snapshot, so changes made after that capture may be missing. Make a manual snapshot before a planned relaunch or important change when you need an exact recovery point.

Does the automatic snapshot capture every Chrome window?

No. The background timer captures the current window. Use the product's manual save controls for deliberate snapshots and verify the saved contents before closing important work.

Where is automatic backup data stored?