On a shared computer, or when looking something up for someone else, use an incognito window. Its history, cookies and form input exist only in memory and disappear when the window closes; downloads and bookmarks you add are kept.
What is not saved
An incognito window writes no browsing or search history, no cookies or site data, and no saved form input or temporary sign-in state.
- Browsing and search history
- Cookies and local site data
- Form input and address bar entries
- Everything cleared when the window closes
What is still kept
Downloaded files, bookmarks you add and network-level records outside the browser remain. Incognito is not anonymous networking — sites and your network provider still see where the visit comes from.
- Downloaded files stay on disk
- Bookmarks you add are saved and synced
- Your origin is still visible to sites
- Extensions are disabled in incognito by default
Common uses
Beyond shared computers, incognito is handy for a second account: sign into A in the normal window and B in incognito, and the cookies stay separate.
- Browse on a shared machine without a trace
- Two accounts at once without interference
- Check whether a problem is cache-related
- See how a page looks when signed out
FAQ
Is incognito fully anonymous?
No. It only removes local traces. Your provider, the site and a corporate gateway can still log the visit — use a dedicated anonymity tool if you need that.
Does a virus downloaded in incognito disappear?
No. Downloaded files are written to disk; incognito clears browsing traces only, it does not sandbox files.