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Google Chrome Guest Mode Is Great For Shared Computers

By March 21, 2020May 10th, 2022Technology News

Google has recently rolled out a small but important change to its Chrome browser for Windows, Linux and macOS users. The most recent update adds a ‘Default to Guest mode’ to the browser that can be enabled via Enterprise policy or a simple command-line switch.

When the new feature is enabled, any time a browser session is opened on the machine in question, it will default to Guest Mode.

That means that Chrome will delete all browsing activity from the machine when the browser is closed, providing users with a “stateless browsing experience from session to session.” This is actually a lot more significant than first meets the eye.

In particular, it means that Chrome set to Guest Mode will not save any information about:

  • Websites you’ve visited, including the ads and resources used on those sites
  • Your employer, school, or whomever controls the network you’re using while surfing
  • Search engine details
  • Your internet service providers
  • Websites you sign into

From a privacy perspective, that’s huge.

If it’s something you’re interested in enabling, the easiest way to toggle Guest Mode to the default is to follow these steps:

  1. Exit Chrome (all instances)
  2. Right click on your “Chrome” shortcut
  3. Click “Properties”
  4. Scroll to the end of the “Target” and add the following: chrome.exe -guest
  5. Apply that change and close the properties window. When you double click the shortcut, you’ll be in guest mode.

If you’re a macOS or Linux user, follow these steps:

  1. Exit out of Chrome
  2. Run the Terminal application of your choice
  3. Find the Chrome application and add – – guest as a command-line parameter, then hit the enter key to launch Chrome.

This is a small but superb addition. Kudos to Google for the inclusion!

Jason Manteiga

Jason J. Manteiga, Vice President of Olmec Systems, has been part of the company for over the past 20 years. He believes that having a great work environment and supportive team, is the ultimate key to success. Since being in the IT realm for over 25 years, Jason, along with Olmec Systems, has been on the Inc. 5000 “List of America’s Fastest Growing Private Companies” and Channel Futures MSP 501 “Top Managed Service Providers in North America,” along with other awards and nominations. Jason earned his Bachelor Degree in Information Systems from the New Jersey Institute of Technology. He also holds certifications in Microsoft MCSE, VMWare VCP, and Cisco CCNA. In his spare time, Jason is a contributor for The Center for Social & Legal Research (Privacy Exchange) and a member of the Morris County Chamber of Commerce. His hobbies include cycling and kayaking. He currently lives in New Jersey with his wife, two daughters and son.