Hotel business centers, library terminals, a friend’s laptop — sometimes you have to log in on a computer that is not yours. The trouble is, you have no idea what is on it or who used it last. A few simple rules let you use a shared computer without leaving your accounts exposed. Our GetMyPassword team explains how to use a public or shared computer safely.
What can go wrong
A shared computer may carry hidden risks: a keylogger recording what you type, a browser set to save passwords, or a session left logged in for the next person. Even without malware, the basics betray you — saved logins, autofill and browser history can hand your accounts to whoever sits down next. The goal is to leave no trace.
Rules for using one safely
- Use private or incognito mode, which does not save history, cookies or logins.
- Never let the browser save your password, and decline any “remember me” prompt.
- Log out of everything when you finish — do not just close the window.
- Avoid banking and sensitive accounts if you possibly can; use your phone instead.
When you are done
Before you walk away, sign out of every account and close the browser. If the computer allows it, clear the browsing data you created. Be mindful of shoulder surfing while you type, too. And if you ever had to log in to something important on a machine you do not trust, change that password afterward from your own device, just to be safe.
On a computer that is not yours, assume someone is watching. Private mode, no saved passwords, and a full log-out are the difference between borrowing a screen and handing over your accounts.
2FA is your safety net
Even with perfect habits, a public computer is never fully trustworthy — so make a stolen password useless. With two-factor authentication on your accounts, anyone who captured your login on that machine still cannot get in without the code on your phone. Give every account a unique password from our password generator and turn on 2FA, and a borrowed computer becomes a minor risk instead of a major one.
Frequently asked questions
How do I use a public computer without risking my accounts?
Use private or incognito mode, never let the browser save your password, log out of everything when done, and avoid banking if possible. Enable two-factor authentication so a captured password alone cannot be used.
Should I do online banking on a shared computer?
It is best to avoid it. Use your own phone or a trusted device for banking. If you must use a shared computer, use private mode, log out fully, and change your password afterward from a device you trust.
What should I do after using a public computer?
Sign out of every account, close the browser, and clear the browsing data if you can. If you logged in to anything important, change that password from your own device, since the machine could have a keylogger.