Did You Notice Incognito Mode Just Got More Private?

Incognito Mode Just Got More Private — Here’s What Changed

If you’ve ever used Incognito mode in Chrome, you likely know the basics: it lets you browse without saving your history, cookies, or temporary data.

But was it ever truly private?

Not entirely.

Until recently, if you copied something from an Incognito tab—like text, an image, or a URL—Windows could still store it in your clipboard history and even sync it to other devices via Cloud Clipboard.

That’s not ideal for private browsing.

The Good News: Microsoft Closed the Loop

Microsoft has quietly patched this gap to strengthen privacy in Incognito mode (Chrome) and InPrivate mode (Edge). Now, when you copy something while browsing privately, Windows no longer saves it to your clipboard history or syncs it to other devices.

It’s a behind-the-scenes fix, but one that gives Incognito mode a meaningful privacy upgrade—especially for business users handling sensitive content.

Here’s What Incognito Mode Already Prevents Locally:

Browsing history is not saved
Cookies and site data are cleared once tabs close
Form entries like login or search fields are not remembered

Why This Matters for Everyday Use

Incognito mode is helpful for:

Checking flight or hotel prices without triggering dynamic pricing algorithms
Logging into multiple accounts without signing out
Using shared computers without leaving a trace

But let’s say you’re copying a confidential note or business credential during that session. Previously, it could have been visible to anyone who pressed Windows Key + V later—or even synced across your devices.

Now, that risk is gone.

Bonus Update: Hidden Media Previews in Incognito Mode

Microsoft also improved media privacy.

Previously, when you played a video in Chrome or Edge, Windows displayed a media preview on the screen during volume changes or on the lock screen—with the video title and thumbnail clearly visible.

Not ideal if you’re watching something sensitive, even for work.

Now, when using Incognito or InPrivate mode, those previews are hidden. Instead, you’ll see a simple message:
“A site is playing media” — no titles, no thumbnails, no unexpected exposure.

What Incognito Mode Still Doesn’t Do

It’s important to remember that Incognito mode only hides activity on your device.

It does not hide your browsing from:

Your employer or network administrator
Your internet service provider
The websites you visit

For local privacy, it’s better than ever—but it’s not the same as full anonymit

If your team uses Microsoft Edge, here are a few practical advantages:

Faster support and troubleshooting
Ran into a browser issue? Instead of searching online or calling IT, you could simply ask Copilot for help.
AI always on standby
Whether you’re summarising a webpage, drafting an email, or just need help wording a quick message, Copilot would be ready without any clicks.
Improved security
Microsoft is also testing Scareware Blocker, an AI-powered tool designed to detect and block scam websites in real time.

Need Help Protecting Sensitive Business Data?

If your team regularly handles confidential information, privacy updates like these matter.

We can help you assess and improve your organisation’s data protection strategy. Get in touch today.