How to view Chrome's Incognito download history
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Key notes
- Even though Incognito mode doesn't store any browsing or downloading history, there is still a way to see it.
- By using Command Prompt, you can access your recent activities as well as delete them.
- Don't miss out on our section on Incognito mode's disadvantages and what to use instead.
Incognito mode is a browsing mode that allows you to search anonymously, with other people who are using the same device not being able to see your activity. However, there is a way for them to view your Chrome’s Incognito download history.
It is possible that you will want to return to a website that was previously opened in Incognito mode, but you will be unable to do so because its history is not saved at all unless you search for it again on Google.
Many of us may believe that browsing and download history is not retrieved at all when using this mode, however, this is not the case.
In Windows, there is a feature that allows us to view and delete our Incognito download history. It is possible to check it using a variety of third-party applications available on the internet, but we will not be using any of these applications, instead, we will examine the DNS cache.
Follow along as we will first see what DNS cache is and how it works, and then access Chrome’s Incognito download history and delete it.
How does DNS cache work?
DNS is an abbreviation for Domain Name System. It converts the Uniform Resource Locator (URL) of any website into the IP address that corresponds to that website.
We all visit our favorite websites by typing in web addresses such as windowsreport.com or youtube.com, but your browser does not recognize these addresses. Instead, your browser requires the IP address of the destination you are attempting to access.
Consequently, when we type a web address into the search bar, the browser sends a request to the Domain Name System. In response to a query from the browser, DNS matches the site URL to an IP address and returns the IP address to the browser.
The DNS cache (also known as the DNS resolver cache) is a local memory of recent queries that is stored on your computer’s local hard drive.
In order for you to receive a quick response from the server the next time you visit the same website, it stores all of the records of your most recent website visits.
How can I access Chrome’s Incognito download history?
- Open the Windows Search function and enter cmd then right-click on it in order to Run it as an administrator.
- Now type or copy-paste the following command in order to see the DNS cache history. Make sure to press Enter after you enter the command:
ipconfig /displaydns
- You can now see detailed information about websites that have been recently visited but have not been recorded in history.
- In order to delete the history, type the following command and press Enter:
ipconfig /flushdns
The majority of the time, cookies are used to provide a more tailored and relevant browsing experience. Although websites cannot follow you around the web, they can compile a detailed profile of your online activities and then use this information to send you targeted advertisements.
Especially inconvenient is when you’re looking for a gift for a family member and, despite your best efforts to keep it a surprise, advertisements for the gift appear everywhere on your family’s computer.
If you have Incognito mode enabled on your browser, these cookies will be deleted when you log out, allowing you to keep your personal preferences private. However, there are some disadvantages as well.
What are the disadvantages of Incognito?
The first and most significant disadvantage of using incognito mode is that it must be activated each time you browse the Internet on your computer.
To use Chrome’s Incognito mode you must open a new window for each tab you want to use. Therefore, if you forget to click on a specific window, you will leave traces in the history of your browser and you’ll need to clear out your cookies, passwords, and anything else that has been saved.
In contrast to a virtual private network, the Incognito mode does not provide the same level of protection against identity theft. Consequently, it can only hide your activity at the browser level, not the network level.
Using a virtual private network (VPN) is the most effective and secure method of concealing your browsing activity on all levels.
One of the most efficient in terms of anonymous browsing is Private Internet Access VPN service with a dedicated IP address that efficiently disguises your location while online surfing for all devices.
This anonymous IP address will provide you the freedom of the internet as well as the freedom of anonymity. When you use WiFi hotspots to connect to the Internet, you may add privacy and security to both private and public networks.
All you need to do is install the browser extension, log in with your Private Internet Access membership credentials, and turn on the switch to be secured and hidden from prying eyes online.
Despite the fact that you do not sign in anywhere, the websites you visit can use a variety of traces to determine who you are, including your browser, IP address, device type, and so on. Fingerprinting is the term used to describe this type of tracking.
It is a more intrusive form of online tracking than the more common cookie-based tracking method used by most websites.
To further improve your privacy and minimize the data located about you, check out our post on how to disable telemetry in Windows 11.
Alternatively, take a look at the five best security and privacy features in Windows 11 to use them to their fullest potential.
Don’t hesitate to leave a comment in the section below and tell us what you think. Thanks for reading!
