How to restore Chrome tabs from a saved snapshot

Restoring Chrome tabs reliably starts with knowing which recovery source you are using. Chrome's own recent-tab and startup recovery behavior can vary with browser version, settings, and how the previous session ended, so try those built-in options first when the lost window is recent. A Tabwell restore is different: it replays a snapshot that already exists in local IndexedDB. That snapshot represents one saved Chrome window, including tab order, pinned state, window state, and native group title, color, and collapsed state. Periodic auto-snapshots can provide a recent recovery point after an unexpected shutdown, but closing Chrome does not create a final capture; recovery can only offer the latest successful timer snapshot. Free runs that timer every 60 minutes and retains one automatic recovery slot within its five-snapshot total limit. This guide walks through a deliberate restore, explains the crash-recovery boundary, and shows when to make a manual snapshot before a planned relaunch.

Restore an existing snapshot

Install Tabwell from the Chrome Web Store and open the side panel.
Select the snapshot by its name and timestamp.
Review its tab and group counts before opening it.
Choose the available restore action and confirm the new window.
Check tab order, pinned state, and native group title, color, and collapsed state.

A restore can only replay data present in that snapshot. It cannot reconstruct tabs captured before Tabwell was installed or changes made after the selected snapshot.

Unexpected-shutdown recovery

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. Free runs the timer every 60 minutes and keeps one automatic recovery slot. Pro offers 5, 15, 30, or 60-minute intervals and configurable automatic retention. A manual snapshot immediately before a planned update is the way to create an exact checkpoint.

Tabwell snapshot versus browser recovery

Chrome provides recent-tab, recently closed, and startup recovery paths. Their result depends on the current Chrome release, settings, and shutdown conditions, so test them rather than assuming that group structure will always be present or absent. A Tabwell snapshot is a separately named, timestamped local record you can choose later. Use the browser path for a recent accidental close; use a verified snapshot when you need a specific saved arrangement.

Plans and privacy

Every install starts with a local 14-day Pro trial. Free remains available afterward with up to five snapshots total, manual save and restore, JSON export, a 60-minute timer, and one automatic recovery slot. Pro adds unlimited history, search, importers, and configurable intervals. Current prices, purchase options, and terms are listed on the pricing page.

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.

FAQ

What can a Tabwell restore recreate?

It recreates the saved window's tabs, order, pinned state, window state, and native Chrome group title, color, and collapsed state recorded in the selected snapshot.

Does Tabwell save a final snapshot when Chrome closes?

No. Normal last-window close records a graceful-shutdown marker. Unexpected-shutdown recovery can offer the latest periodic auto-snapshot that already exists.

How recent is the Free recovery point?

Free runs its periodic auto-snapshot every 60 minutes and retains one automatic recovery slot. Changes after the latest successful capture may be missing.

Should I try Chrome's built-in recovery first?

Yes for a recent accidental close. Chrome behavior varies by version, settings, and shutdown conditions, so inspect the current result before moving to a saved snapshot.

Can Tabwell recover tabs from before installation?

No. A Tabwell snapshot must already exist. If the loss happened before installation, use Chrome's current built-in recovery options and other backups.

Where are snapshots stored?