Private browsing windows or "incognito mode" is a privacy feature that most browsers provide to allow users to use the web without the browser storing browsing history and web cache. These windows can be used to help determine if a browser issue is cache-related. See the various ways to open a new private browsing window depending on the browser.
Opening a Private Window in Chrome
- Launch Chrome
- Click on
- Select New Incognito Window
- A new gray window will open that says "You've gone incognito". Another way to open an incognito window in Chrome is to use the key combination Ctrl+Shift+N
Opening a Private Window in Mozilla Firefox
- Launch Firefox
- At the top right hand corner of the browser click the menu button and then select New Private Window.
- The private window will open and you will see a purple mask on the top right corner.
Opening a Private Window in Safari
- Launch Safari
- Click on File
- Click New Private Window
Opening a Private Window in Internet Explorer
- Launch Internet Explorer.
- Select the gear icon on the top right of the page.
- Click On Safety
- Select InPrivate Browser. Another way to open a private window on IE is to use the key combination Ctrl+Shift+P
Opening a Private Window in Microsoft Edge
- Launch Edge
- Click on the 3-dotted "More" link
- Select New InPrivate Window
Related articles