Closed the wrong Microsoft Edge tab or lost a whole window? Start with the fastest restore options, then use History, crash recovery, sync, or startup restore when the page is farther back.
The steps below use Microsoft’s current Edge restore paths, so you can get the tab back without digging through unsupported session files or old Edge features.
1. Reopen the closed tab with the shortcut
Use the keyboard first if you just closed the tab.
- On Windows or Linux, press Ctrl + Shift + T.
- On macOS, press Command + Shift + T.
Press the shortcut again to reopen more closed tabs in reverse order. The most recently closed tab comes back first, then the one before it.
You can do the same from the tab bar: right-click a blank area of the tab strip or title bar, then choose the reopen closed tab option. Repeat it for additional recently closed tabs.
2. Bring back a closed tab or window from Recently closed
- 1.Select Settings and more.
- 2.Open History.
- 3.Choose Recently closed.
- 4.Select the tab or window you want to reopen.
Use this menu route when the shortcut is not the easiest path. It works for normal browsing windows, but InPrivate tabs and windows cannot be reopened from Recently closed.
3. Search History for an older page
When the tab has fallen out of Recently closed, open full History from Settings and more, then History.
- On Windows or Linux, press Ctrl + H.
- On macOS, press Command + Y.
Use the History search box or browse the list, then select the page to open it again. This works when the browsing history still exists and has not been cleared.
4. Restore pages after an Edge crash
- Reopen Microsoft Edge.
- If the Restore pages dialog appears, choose its restore option to reopen the pages that were open before the crash.
This crash prompt applies to Edge desktop on Windows and macOS version 100 or later when a managed-device policy has not hidden it and history saving is allowed.
5. Make Edge open the previous session on startup
Turn this on when you want Edge to bring back your last open tabs every time the browser starts.
- 1.Open Microsoft Edge.
- 2.Select Settings and more.
- 3.Choose Settings.
- 4.Go to Start, home, and new tabs.
- 5.Under When Edge starts, choose Open tabs from previous session.
Older pages sometimes call this “Continue where you left off,” but Microsoft’s current Edge wording is Open tabs from previous session.
6. Recover tabs on Microsoft Edge mobile
- On Android: tap menu, open History, then tap the page you want to reopen.
- On iPhone: tap menu, go to Settings, open History, then tap the page you want back.
This restores pages from normal mobile browsing history. InPrivate browsing history is not available for mobile restore.
7. Continue tabs from another synced device
If the tab is still open on another device, sync can help you pick it up.
- Sign in to Microsoft Edge with the same account on both devices.
- On desktop, go to Settings and more, Settings, Profiles, then Sync.
- Turn on sync for Open tabs and History where those options are available.
- On mobile, open menu, Settings, your profile image, then Sync.
- Open Edge’s Recent tabs or Tabs from other devices area, then select the page from your other device.
8. Save a tab set before you close Edge
- For a group of pages you need later, go to Settings and more, Favorites, More options, then choose Add open pages to favorites before closing the session.
- Later, open Favorites and select the saved pages or folder.
For a reusable work set on Windows 10, Windows 11, or macOS, use Microsoft Edge Workspaces on Edge version 144 or later while signed in with a Microsoft or work account. New Workspaces are for individual use and no longer support sharing or joining. Select the Search tabs icon in the top-left corner, choose Manage workspaces, select New Workspace, choose Create workspace with X tabs or Create blank workspace, enter a name and theme, then select Done. To resume it, select the Workspaces icon or menu in the top-left corner, then choose the workspace.
9. Skip outdated Edge restore tricks
Do not use old restore advice built around Set tabs aside, Reading List, or manual copying from Edge session folders. Those are not current Microsoft-supported restore paths in the research.
- Adding new pages to Collections stopped working in Edge version 145, and Collections was removed entirely starting with Edge version 149 (released June 4, 2026). Move or export any saved pages before updating, then use Favorites or Workspaces instead.
- For current tab recovery and prevention, use the shortcut, Recently closed, History, Restore pages, Open tabs from previous session, sync, Workspaces, or Favorites.
On a work or school device, your organization can control startup restore and the crash recovery prompt. If a restore setting is missing or keeps changing back, contact your IT admin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I restore Microsoft Edge tabs after closing the whole window?
Yes. Open Settings and more, go to History, choose Recently closed, then select the closed window. To make this automatic next time, turn on Open tabs from previous session in Start, home, and new tabs.
Why did Ctrl Shift T not restore the tab I wanted?
Ctrl Shift T reopens closed tabs in reverse order. Keep pressing it for older tabs, or open full History with Ctrl H on Windows and Linux or Command Y on Mac and search for the page.
Can I restore InPrivate tabs in Microsoft Edge?
No. Microsoft says InPrivate tabs and windows cannot be reopened from Recently closed, and InPrivate mobile history is not available for restore.
Can Edge restore tabs from my phone on my computer?
Yes. Sign in with the same account, turn on Sync for Open tabs and History where available, then use Edge’s Recent tabs or Tabs from other devices area to open the page.
