Internet Explorer for Windows saves my password and other text I've entered. How do I make it stop?

On this page:

• Introduction
• Internet Explorer 7
• Internet Explorer 6

Introduction

The AutoComplete feature in Internet Explorer for Windows remembers usernames and passwords for secure sites. Unless you can secure your computer from outside access, you should disable this option. Otherwise, others can get to your secure information (for example, if you have visited a password-protected web page).

AutoComplete also remembers anything you enter in a field (e.g., a search engine field). Additionally, it remembers URLs that you have entered. If you want to keep this information private, you need to disable the AutoComplete feature. To do this, follow the appropriate steps below.

Note: If you want to delete already stored form data or passwords, see In Internet Explorer 6 or 7, how do I remove a stored password or other stored information?

Internet Explorer 7

1. Open Internet Explorer.
   
   
2. From the Tools menu, select Internet Options.
   
   
3. Click the Content tab.
   
   
4. In the "AutoComplete..." section, click the Settings button. You now have several options:
   
   
   • To prevent your password from being saved, deselect the User names and passwords on forms checkbox.
   • To prevent field entries from being saved, deselect the Forms checkbox.
   • To prevent URLs from being saved, deselect the Web addresses checkbox.
   
   
5. Click OK twice.

Internet Explorer 6

1. Open Internet Explorer.
   
   
2. From the Tools menu, select Internet Options... .
   
   
3. Click the Content tab.
   
   
4. Click the AutoComplete... button. You now have several options:
   
   
   • To prevent your password from being saved, deselect the User names and passwords on forms checkbox.
   • To prevent field entries from being saved, deselect the Forms checkbox.
   • To prevent URLs from being saved, deselect the Web addresses checkbox.
   • To clear all saved items, except passwords, from the AutoComplete history, click the Clear Forms button.
   • To clear all passwords, click the Clear Passwords button.
   
   
5. Click OK twice.