How to enable guest browsing in Chrome for Windows

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(Credit: Ed Rhee/CNET)

Chrome's guest browsing mode is a convenient way to let others use the Web on your computer while keeping browsing habits private.

Have you ever gone back to your computer after letting someone use it for "just a second" and found it in disarray? Maybe they logged you out of all your accounts because they wanted to check Facebook or their e-mail. Or perhaps they did a little window-shopping on Amazon and now you're getting strange product suggestions on the home page. To help you and your guests maintain some sense of privacy while sharing the Web, you can use Chrome's guest browsing mode.

Guest browsing was first available in Chrome OS as a way to let Chromebook owners safely share their Chromebooks with others. The feature is available in Chrome for Windows too, but is considered experimental for the time being. If you're interested in trying it out, here's how to enable guest browsing in Chrome:

Step 1: In the Chrome address bar, enter: chrome://flags/#enable-new-profile-management

Step 2: Click on the Enable link under "Enable new profile management system" and then click on the Relaunch Now button at the bottom of the browser.

(Credit: Screenshot by Ed Rhee/CNET)

Step 3: After Chrome relaunches, you'll see an avatar in the upper left-hand corner. Click on it, then select "Browse as guest" to launch the guest browser window.

(Credit: Screenshot by Ed Rhee/CNET)

Step 4: Let your guest browse the Interweb.

(Credit: Screenshot by Ed Rhee/CNET)

Remember that guest browsing is only available in Chrome for Windows right now and because it's an experimental feature, it's possible that enabling it may cause odd behavior or instability.