No. When you browse in an InPrivate or incognito window, the browser doesn’t save your history, cookies or temporary files once you close the window. There’s no hidden history list in Windows 10 to open later, although Windows briefly keeps the names of sites in its DNS cache. Downloads and favorites you save do stay, though, and websites or your network can still see your activity.
Applies to: Microsoft Edge and other browsers on Windows 10. Checked against Microsoft Support on September 28, 2026.
What private browsing doesn’t save
- Pages you visited (history)
- Cookies and site data
- Temporary internet files
- Text you typed into forms
When you close all InPrivate windows, Edge deletes this data from the PC.
What it does keep
- Downloads. Files you download stay in your Downloads folder. See how to find downloads on Windows 10.
- Favorites. Any sites you add to your favorites stay there.
Who can still see your activity
Private browsing only hides activity on your PC. It doesn’t hide it from:
- The websites you visit
- Your school or workplace, if you’re on their network or device
- Your internet provider
The one trace Windows may keep: the DNS cache
To find websites, Windows looks up their names and keeps a short list in its DNS cache. This includes sites opened in private windows. It shows names like www.example.com, not the pages you read.
- To see it, open Command Prompt and type
ipconfig /displaydns. - To clear it, type
ipconfig /flushdns. Restarting the PC also clears it, so the list rarely goes back very far.
Other ways activity can be saved
- Signing in to an account: if you sign in to Google, YouTube or a Microsoft account in a private window, that account may save your searches or watch history.
- Files you open: a downloaded file you open can appear in File Explorer’s Quick access and in the app’s recent files list.
- Parental controls: on a child account with Microsoft Family Safety, InPrivate browsing in Edge is blocked.
Open an InPrivate window in Edge
- Open Microsoft Edge.
- Select Settings and more (the three dots) and choose New InPrivate window. You can also press Ctrl + Shift + N.
- Close all InPrivate windows when you’re done.
Private windows in other browsers
- Google Chrome: press Ctrl + Shift + N for an Incognito window.
- Firefox: press Ctrl + Shift + P for a Private Window.
They work the same way: history, cookies and form entries are removed when you close all private windows.
If InPrivate doesn’t work as expected
- New InPrivate window is missing or grayed out: a Family Safety child account or a work policy has turned it off.
- Your extensions don’t show: open Extensions, select Details for one, and check Allow in InPrivate.
- You’re still signed in to sites: make sure every InPrivate window is closed, then open a new one.
Frequently asked questions
How do I delete normal browsing history?
In Edge, press Ctrl + Shift + Delete, choose a time range, and select Clear now. For other temporary files on your PC, see how to clear the cache in Windows 10.
Can I make InPrivate my default?
Edge always opens a normal window first. To change which browser opens links, see how to change the default browser in Windows 10.
Does InPrivate hide my IP address?
No. Websites and your network still see your IP address. A VPN changes what websites see, but your VPN provider can then see your traffic instead.
Is InPrivate the same as Incognito?
Yes. Microsoft calls it InPrivate, Google calls it Incognito, and Firefox calls it a Private Window. They all work in much the same way.
Does InPrivate block trackers?
Edge uses Strict tracking prevention in InPrivate windows by default, which blocks many trackers. You can check this in Settings > Privacy, search, and services.
Can special software recover InPrivate history?
Not from the browser’s history, because none is saved. Forensic tools can sometimes find traces elsewhere, such as the DNS cache, until they’re cleared or overwritten.
Microsoft’s reference is Browse InPrivate in Microsoft Edge. More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.
Related: how to close all private tabs on iPhone.
Related: how to turn off the pop-up blocker on iPhone.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.