Did you notice Incognito mode’s improved privacy?

If you've ever used Chrome's Incognito mode, you're likely familiar with its main features: it allows you to browse without keeping your history, cookies, or other temporary data.

But was it ever completely private?

Not quite...

Until recently, if you copied something from an Incognito tab, such as text, an image, or a URL, Windows could still store it in your clipboard history and even sync it across devices.

Not exactly what you'd expect from a "private" browsing session, right?

Microsoft has discreetly addressed this gap, enhancing Incognito mode's privacy.

When you open an Incognito tab in Chrome (or InPrivate mode in Edge), your browser stops saving:

·         Your browsing history (so others using your device can't see your visited sites)

·         Cookies and site data (so websites won't remember you after closing the tab)

·         Form data (so your browser won't autofill your details next time)

This is useful for tasks like:

·         Checking flight prices or hotel bookings without tracking cookies affecting costs

·         Logging into multiple accounts without signing out

·         Using a shared computer without leaving a trace

Imagine you're copying sensitive business information or a personal message while in Incognito mode. Before this update, Windows would have saved that copied text in your clipboard history, allowing anyone pressing Windows Key + V later to see it.

Even more concerning? If Cloud Clipboard was enabled (syncing clipboard data between Windows devices), your copied content could appear on another device.

Microsoft identified this issue and resolved it, ensuring that when you copy something in Incognito mode, Windows won't save it to your clipboard history or sync it to the cloud.

Now, your activity truly vanishes when you close the tab (Google has since adopted this change in Chrome updates for all users).

Additionally, Microsoft has made another small yet significant privacy enhancement: Media previews are now hidden in Incognito mode.

Typically, when you play a YouTube video (or any media) in Chrome, Windows displays a preview of what's playing when you adjust the volume or check the media panel. On the lock screen, it even shows details like the video title and artwork.

Watching something in Incognito? Thanks to the update, it now simply states, "A site is playing media." No titles, no thumbnails, no details.

This means if you're viewing a sensitive video (business-related or otherwise), there's no accidental exposure if someone glances at your screen.

If you use Incognito mode for private browsing, you're now receiving better protection than before, even if you weren't aware of the issue initially.

However, remember: Incognito mode still doesn't conceal your activity from your internet provider, work network, or the websites you visit. It's excellent for local privacy on your device but won't make you completely anonymous online.

If you need assistance ensuring your sensitive business data remains private, feel free to reach out.