How To Disable Guest Mode On Chrome

Using “Guest mode” on Chrome means using Google without signing into an account. While using Guest Mode provides many advantages, it also comes with safety issues. That’s why Google Chrome allows you to disable Guest Mode quickly and effortlessly.

This article shows you how to disable (and re-enable if desired) Guest mode on Chrome on different operating systems. Let’s get started.

How to Disable Chrome Guest Mode in Windows

Guest mode is a convenient option when you need to use someone else’s computer, or someone else wants to use yours. When you wish to leave Guest mode, close the Guest mode window. To go even further, you can disable Guest mode altogether.

How to Deactivate Chrome Guest Mode using Command Prompt

Using the Command Prompt is a straightforward way to disable Chrome Guest mode.

1. Click on the “magnifying glass” icon (Search option) or the box next to it in the bottom-left corner of your screen.
   
2. Type “cmd” next to the magnifying glass, then select “Run as administrator.”
   
3. Copy this command and past it into the Command Prompt:
   REG ADD HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Google\Chrome /v BrowserGuestModeEnabled /t REG_DWORD /d 0
   
4. Press “Enter” on your keyboard to execute the command.
   
5. Restart your computer.

The next time you launch Chrome and go to your profile picture in the upper-right corner, the Guest mode option will no longer be there.

How to Re-Activate Chrome Guest Mode using Command Prompt

If you change your mind or want to switch the Guest mode option back on later, you can re-enable it in a few quick steps. Here’s how to do it:

1. Go to the “magnifying glass” icon and type “cmd.”
2. Select “Run as administrator” in the right-side panel or double-click “Command Prompt” on the left and select “Run as administrator.”
   
3. Copy this command:
   REG DELETE HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Google\Chrome /v BrowserGuestModeEnabled /f
4. Paste the copied command into the Command Prompt and press “Enter” to execute it.
   
5. Restart your computer.
   

Next time you open Chrome on your computer, you will see the Guest mode option when you right-click on your profile picture in the upper-right corner of your window.

How to Disable Chrome Guest Mode in Windows Via Registry Editor

Another way you can disable Guest Mode browsing on Chrome is via the Registry Editor. If you want to learn how, follow the steps below:

1. Click on the “magnifying glass” icon (Cortana Search) in the bottom-left corner of your screen.
   
2. Type in “regedit“ in the search box.
   
3. Right-click on “Registry Editor” and choose “Run as administrator.” This action may not be required, but it is recommended.
   
4. Copy the following command: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Google\Chrome
5. Paste the command into the Registry Editor’s “address bar” and press “Enter.”
   
6. Double-click on the “Chrome” folder in the left sidebar.
   
7. Right-click on the right side of the Registry Editor, where there is a blank space.
8. Click “New” and then select “DWORD (32-bit) Value.”
   
9. Rename the file as “BrowserGuestModeEnabled.”
   
10. Double-click on the file, then type “0“ in the “Value data” box, and then select “OK.”
    
11. Restart your computer.
    

That’s all there is to it. You have successfully disabled the Guest mode option on Chrome.

Note: Before you use the Registry Editor, you are advised to back up all your Registry Editor files first. If you paste the wrong commands that end up changing something else, you can always import the registry files.

How to Re-Enable Chrome Guest Mode in Windows via Registry Editor

To re-enable the Guest mode browsing option on Chrome, follow steps 1-11 from the previous section. When you get to the “DWORD (32-bit) Value” pop-up window, change the “0” in “Value data” back to “1.”

You will need to restart your computer once more. The next time you launch Chrome, the Guest mode option will be available to you again.

How to Disable Chrome Guest Mode on Mac

If you want to disable Guest mode on Chrome using your Mac, follow these steps:

1. Press the “Shift + Cmd +U” keys at the same time.
2. Double-click on “Terminal” in the “Utilities” folder that appears.
   
3. Copy the following command:
   defaults write com.google.Chrome BrowserGuestModeEnabled -bool false
4. Go to “Terminal” and paste the command you just copied, then press “Enter.”
   
5. Exit Chrome and restart your computer.

Once your computer gets restarted, the Guest mode option will no longer be available in Google Chrome.

How to Re-Enable Chrome Guest Mode on Mac

You can always re-enable Chrome’s Guest mode on your Mac if you change your mind. Here’s how to do it:

1. Press “Shift + Cmd +U” to open the “Utilities” folder.
2. Double-click on “Terminal” to launch the application.
   
3. Copy the following command:
   defaults write com.google.Chrome BrowserGuestModeEnabled -bool true
4. Paste the command you just copied into the “macOS Terminal,” then press “Enter” to execute it.
   
5. Restart your computer.
   

That’s all there is to it. You can switch Guest mode in Chrome on and off as many times as you need. Just follow the instructions above, and ensure you copy the correct commands.

Disabling Chrome Guest Mode FAQs

What’s the difference between Chrome Guest Mode and Incognito Mode?

Contrary to popular belief, “Guest mode” and “Incognito” aren’t the same.

When using Guest mode on Chrome, you can’t add bookmarks, view a previous session’s history, or access/change account profiles. Furthermore, you are using Chrome without a Google account. Guest Mode lets other people use your device without affecting your personal Google account, browsing history, or browser customizations.

Incognito mode means that you are browsing the web privately, but you are still logged in.

Whether you use “Guest mode” or “Incognito mode,” all your browsing activity gets deleted after you close the window.

Handle Google Chrome Like a Pro

Now you know how to enable and disable Guest mode on Google Chrome on Windows and Mac. Have you ever disabled Guest mode on Chrome? If so, what was your reason?