Browsers

How to Browse as a Guest in Microsoft Edge

Written by

Richard

May 5, 2024 Updated Aug 13, 2026 3 min read

Microsoft Edge featured image

Guest browsing in Microsoft Edge opens a temporary window that does not save your history, passwords, or cookies on the computer. This special mode lets a friend borrow your PC or lets you check a website on a shared computer without leaving any personal trace behind.

All temporary files and browsing data vanish the exact moment you close that guest window. Microsoft Edge includes this feature built right into Windows 10 and Windows 11 as a quick way to keep your web activity private.

⚡ Quick Answer

Open Microsoft Edge, click your profile icon, and select “Browse as a guest.” A new window will open for a temporary session that clears all data when closed.

Why use Guest mode?

Guest mode works well when borrowing a computer or searching for topics away from a personal history log. Personal data stays isolated from the temporary browsing session.

What happens when done?

Closing the guest window permanently purges all temporary files, cookies, and history accumulated during that specific session.

How to browse as a guest in Microsoft Edge

Launch Microsoft Edge and click the profile icon on the top toolbar. Select Browse as a guest from the dropdown menu to launch a separate, temporary window.

Open the Microsoft Edge browser.
Click on your profile icon located on the top toolbar.
Select “Browse as a guest” from the menu that appears.

Microsoft Edge profile menu with 'Browse as a guest' option highlighted.

A new, separate window opens immediately for guest activities.

Browsing as a guest using a command

Custom command lines launch guest browsing directly, which helps when creating desktop shortcuts. To open a new guest window, use the command: "C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application\msedge.exe" -guest.

Standard user accounts can run this command without administrator rights, provided the installation path matches your system setup.

Use this command to open a blank guest window:

💻Code

"C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application\msedge.exe" -guest

Use this command if you want to open a specific website immediately:

💻Code

"C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application\msedge.exe" -guest https://geekrewind.com

Summary

Shared computers benefit heavily from guest mode because privacy protection stays active throughout the session. Closing the window wipes all recorded actions instantly.

How do I browse as a guest in Microsoft Edge?

To browse as a guest in Microsoft Edge, open the browser and click on the profile icon on the toolbar. Then, select 'Browse as a guest' from the 'Other profiles' tile.

What is the difference between guest mode and InPrivate mode in Edge?

Guest mode creates a temporary profile for browsing without saving any data, while InPrivate mode also protects your privacy but is designed for users who may want to log into accounts without saving history.

Can I open a specific website in guest mode using a command?

Yes, you can open a specific website in guest mode by using the command line. For example, you can enter 'C:Program Files (x86)MicrosoftEdgeApplicationmsedge.exe' -guest https://example.com.

Will my browsing history be saved when using guest mode in Edge?

No, when using guest mode in Microsoft Edge, your browsing history, cookies, and site data will not be saved. All data is deleted as soon as you close the guest window.

Is browsing as a guest in Edge safe?

Browsing as a guest in Edge is generally safe as it does not save your browsing data. However, it's important to remember that while it offers privacy, it does not provide complete anonymity online.

Does Edge have a guest mode?

Using a guest profile prevents the browser from importing data from existing profiles and deletes all session information once every guest window closes. Leaving this policy unconfigured permits Microsoft Edge users to browse using guest profiles.

Was this guide helpful?

Tags: #Microsoft Edge

Was this helpful?

About the Author

Richard

Tech Writer, IT Professional

Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.

2939 articles → Twitter