Common Browser Artifact Locations
Browser profiles can contain history, downloads, cookies, sessions, cache, autofill, and extension records. Synchronization, private browsing, profile selection, cleanup, and application updates can materially affect what remains.
PUBLIC OPERATIONAL REFERENCE
Profile locations
| Browser | Common Windows profile root | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Google Chrome | %LocalAppData%\Google\Chrome\User Data\ | Default or Profile * folders containing History, Cookies, Login Data, Web Data, Sessions, and Extensions. |
| Microsoft Edge | %LocalAppData%\Microsoft\Edge\User Data\ | Chromium-style profile folders and databases with Edge-specific features and account context. |
| Mozilla Firefox | %AppData%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\ | places.sqlite, cookies.sqlite, formhistory.sqlite, sessionstore backups, storage, and extensions. |
Interpretation controls
- Identify the active profile and determine whether multiple profiles or portable installations exist.
- Correlate history, downloads, cache, cookies, sessions, operating-system artifacts, and source-file metadata.
- Treat timestamps according to the exact storage format and timezone conversion used by the browser and parser.
- Do not equate a URL record with proof that a person viewed or understood the page.
- Preserve the source database and associated WAL, journal, or companion files when relevant.
Interpretation limit
Browser synchronization can introduce records from other devices. Establish device and account context before attribution.
Continue with the complete workflow
Public references are starting points. DFIR Field Toolkit connects operational references with an encrypted local case record, evidence inventory, field forms, amendments, and exports.
Create one complete case free or explore the synthetic product demo.