Located directly below the address bar, the bookmarks bar in Google Chrome is handy for accessing your favorite websites quickly.
However, users have complained that after the recent update, it just disappears or does not show up properly when they open a site.
No need to panic! We have gathered effective ways to fix this issue and get back your disappeared Chrome bookmarks bar.
How to Fix Chrome Bookmarks Bar Disappeared on Windows
From simple setting adjustments in Chrome to advanced troubleshooting, these methods will help in getting your bookmarks bar back up and running smoothly.
Quick Answer
Sometimes, temporary glitches can lead to the bookmark bar disappearing unexpectedly which can be resolved by a simple restart. Moreover, if you are using Google Chrome in full-screen mode, exit the full screen as it hides various elements, such as the bookmark bar.
Method 1: Sign Out & Sign In
Sign out and sign back into your Google account as it refreshes your account settings and data, which potentially resolves any minor issues that may have caused the bookmark bar to disappear.
Method 2: Unhide Bookmarks Bar
After the update, ensure the Bookmarks bar in Chrome is not disabled accidentally. If so, you need to enable it.
1. Open Google Chrome and click on the three dots icon at the top-right corner.
2. Select Bookmarks and lists from the context menu and then select the Show bookmarks bar option to enable it.
Note: You can also use shortcut keys Ctrl + Shift+ B.
Also Read: How to Enable and Disable New Chrome UI Refresh 2023
Method 3: Disable Hardware Acceleration
Hardware acceleration is meant to make browsing smoother and faster.
However, some users have figured out that sometimes it causes unexpected issues, like making the bookmark bar disappear.
So you can turn off hardware acceleration on Google Chrome
Method 4: Uninstall Extensions
Occasionally such issues also occur due to problematic third-party extensions installed on the browser.
Now to confirm this, enable incognito mode in Chrome and if you can see the bookmarks bar, it means there are issues with one or more of the installed extensions.
So you can remove all suspected extensions from Google Chrome and see if it fixes the discussed issue.
Method 5: Clear Browser Cache
When you surf the internet, your browser stores cache data which when corrupt can trigger issues such as the Chrome bookmark bar disappearing.
1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Del to open the Clear browsing data window.
2. Check the boxes next to Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.
3. Click on Clear data.
Also Read: How to Add Website Shortcut to Google Chrome Homepage on My Android Phone
Method 6: Update Google Chrome
Google keeps launching updates for Chrome in order to introduce new features, improve security, and fix bugs that might be causing errors within the browser.
Hence, if you’re unable to see the bookmarks bar, we suggest you update your Google Chrome browser.
Method 7: Reset Chrome Settings
If the above solutions do not help, the last resort is to reset Chrome.
Doing so disables all Chrome browser extensions will be disabled, and all temporary data like caches and cookies will be cleared.
Note: Resetting Chrome does not clear out bookmarks, history, auto-fill suggestions, or saved passwords.
1. Open Google Chrome and in the Settings menu, click on Reset settings.
2. Now click on Restore settings to their original defaults, followed by Reset settings.
Also Read: How to Prevent Google Chrome From Saving Passwords
Why are Chrome Bookmarks Not Showing Up?
Chrome bookmarks can disappear suddenly for different reasons. Some of the common reasons for this issue are:
- Problems with Chrome settings
- Troublesome Chrome extensions
- Updates that don’t work properly
- Browser cache getting corrupt
How Do I Restore My Chrome Bookmarks if Deleted
Whether you accidentally deleted bookmarks or, your browser acted up, the steps and methods mentioned below will help you restore them within a few clicks.
Method 1: Recover from Bookmarks Manager
The bookmark manager in Chrome shows all your favorite websites and has links to websites both old and new ones.
If you accidentally delete a website from your bookmarks then:
1. Open Chrome and click on the three dots icon at the top.
2. Select Bookmark and Lists and then click on Bookmark Manager.
3. On the new page, press CTRL + Z to bring back deleted bookmarks.
Method 2: Via Google History
You can retrieve your deleted bookmarked sites from Google Chrome History if you are logged into your account before deleting them. Press Ctrl + H to open the History page and scroll through the History page to find the sites you want to restore and bookmark them again.
Method 3: Use DNS Cache files
Another helpful way to restore deleted or lost Chrome bookmarks is by using the DNS cache.
1. Press the Windows + R keys together to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type cmd in the box and press Enter to open the Command Prompt window.
3. In the Command Prompt window, type ipconfig /displaydns and press Enter.
4. From the list displayed, copy the sites you want to restore.
5. Visit those websites on Chrome to bookmark them.
Method 4: Import Bookmarks from Other Browsers
If you’ve bookmarked frequently visited websites in another browser such as Firefox, or Microsoft Edge you can also retrieve those bookmarks in Chrome.
1. Open Chrome Settings and select Bookmarks and lists.
2. Choose Import Bookmark and settings…
3. Select the browser that has the same bookmarks and click on Import.
Also Read: How to Export Saved Passwords in Google Chrome
Method 5: Recover from Chrome Backup
If you lose your browser history or bookmarks in Chrome, you might have a local file folder that saves backups. To restore deleted bookmarks in Chrome:
1. Open File Explorer and go to C:/Users/YourUserName/AppData/Local/Google/Chrome/User Data.
Note: Replace YourUserName with your Windows user account name.
2. In the search bar, type Bookmarks. You’ll see two files named Bookmarks and Bookmarks.bak.
3. Move the Bookmarks,bak file to another location, just to keep them safe.
4. Rename the Bookmarks.bak file to Bookmarks.
5. Relaunch Chrome and it will load the bookmarks from the backup file.
To avoid such a situation in the future, check our guide to backup your bookmarks easily in Chrome.
The bookmarks bar disappeared in Google Chrome can be frustrating but there are several troubleshooting methods you can take to resolve the issue.
Remember to regularly check for updates and stay tuned to TechCult for more such guides.
