Google Inc. has released a Firefox extension that synchronizes the browser’s settings, including bookmarks, history, persistent cookies and saved passwords, across multiple computers.

After installing the extension on each computer, the Google Browser Sync for Firefox will update settings each time the user starts Firefox. As a result, the browser will take longer than usual to load, Google said.

A wizard in the setup process will take users through a series of steps that includes choosing a password and the components to be synchronized. The settings will be automatically downloaded to other computers after the user logs in with a Google Account username and password and provides the synchronization password.

For users with only one computer, the tool, which was unveiled this week, is useful for maintaining backup settings and for restoring open tabs and windows across browser sessions.