If you’ve ever used Incognito mode in Google Chrome, you probably thought your browsing was completely concealed. After all, that’s what incognito means, right?

Well, not quite.

What is Incognito?

Incognito mode, for the most part, helps by keeping your activity off the device you’re using. In other words, your browser won’t save your history, cookies, or autofill info. As a result, it’s especially helpful when you’re shopping for travel, using a shared computer, or signing into a second account without logging out of the first.

However, there was one part of Incognito mode that wasn’t nearly as private as it seemed and chances are, you didn’t even know it.

What wasn’t private before

Until recently, if you copied something, like text, a password, or a website link while using Incognito mode, Windows would quietly save that copied info in something called clipboard history.

Even worse? If you had “Cloud Clipboard” turned on, that copied data could sync across your other devices.

So let’s say you copied a client password while researching in Incognito mode on your laptop. Later, someone could hit Windows Key + V on your desktop and see that same password. Not great if you’re dealing with sensitive data.

What’s changed now

Microsoft noticed the problem and released a fix. Now, when you’re using Incognito mode in Chrome or InPrivate mode in Microsoft Edge, anything you copy stays private. It no longer gets saved to your clipboard history or sent to other devices.

That’s a big upgrade for Incognito mode privacy, especially if you’re using private browsing to handle business tasks or confidential information.

Other ways incognito helps

When you open an Incognito tab, your browser still blocks a few things automatically. It doesn’t save:

Your browsing history
Cookies and site data
Autofill form entries

This comes in handy when you’re:

Checking prices that might change based on your search history
Signing in to another account without logging out of the first
Using a public or shared computer without leaving a trail

But that’s not all that’s changed.

One more update worth knowing

Normally, when you play a YouTube video or listen to something in your browser, Windows shows the video title and thumbnail even on your lock screen or volume controls.

That’s fine if you’re watching a tutorial. But not so great if it’s a sensitive video or business-related content.

Now, if you’re watching in Incognito mode, Windows just says, “A site is playing media.” That way, no one walking by sees what you’re watching.

What incognito mode still doesn’t do

Here’s the truth: Incognito mode only hides your activity from other people using the same device. It doesn’t hide anything from:

Your internet provider
Your office’s network admin
The websites you visit

If you want full protection, you’ll need more than a private browser tab. Tools like VPNs, business-grade antivirus, and strong access controls are essential for keeping your business data safe. We can help your business be prepared for tomorrow.

Your privacy matters, we can help

At Wolferdawg IT Consulting, we help businesses across Southwest Oklahoma protect what matters. Whether you’re using Incognito mode or running a full office network, we make sure your data stays private and your team stays secure.

If you’re not sure where to start, we’ll guide you. No BS. No scare tactics. Just simple solutions that keep you covered.

Call us at (580) 956-8424 or click the link below to learn how we can help you build stronger privacy and security into your daily work.