How to get your Chrome windows back after a Mac restart.

Free fixes to try first

In Chrome, open Settings, then On startup, and choose Continue where you left off. When you restart, leave Reopen windows when logging back in checked in the macOS restart dialog. If Chrome closed unexpectedly, the History menu's Recently closed list and Command-Shift-T can bring back a window.

Why windows still end up in the wrong place

Chrome restores its session, but macOS decides where windows go when displays wake in a different order or an external monitor connects late. Windows meant for an external display or another Space often land on the built-in screen. Chrome does not remember which Space a window belonged to.

How SnapState puts Chrome back

SnapState is a native macOS menu bar app. Save a workspace and it records every Chrome window with its tabs, size, position, display and Space, alongside your other apps. After a restart, restore it from the menu bar, with Control-Command-1 to 6, or automatically when your display layout appears. It does the same for Safari, Edge, Brave, Arc and Chromium. See also restoring a Chrome or Safari tab after a restart and Chrome opening on the wrong monitor.

What are the honest limits?

SnapState does not tile or snap windows, it cannot split one app's windows across several Spaces, Firefox is not supported yet, tab groups are not restored, and it requires macOS 15.7 or later. There is no free trial.

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