Private browsing is a privacy feature in some web browsers. When operating in such a mode, the browser creates a temporary session that is isolated from the browser's main session and user data. Browsing history is not saved, and local data associated with the session, such as cookies, are cleared when the session is closed. These modes are designed primarily to prevent data and history associated with a particular browsing session from persisting on the device or being discovered by another user of the same device.
To open an Incognito Window in Chrome:
- On your computer, open Chrome.
- At the top right, click More > New Incognito Window.
- A new window appears. In the top corner, check for the Incognito
icon
You can also use a keyboard shortcut to open an Incognito window in Chrome:
- Windows, Linux, or Chrome OS: Press CTRL + SHIFT + N
- Mac: Press ⌘ + Shift + N
To open an InPrivate window in Microsoft Edge, follow one of these three steps:
- Right-click the Microsoft Edge logo in the taskbar and select the New InPrivate window.
- In Microsoft Edge, right-click a link and select Open link in InPrivate window.
- In Microsoft Edge, select Settings and more> New InPrivate window.
To open a Private Browser window in Firefox:
- Click on the Firefox menu in the upper-right-hand corner of the browser and select New Private Window.
- You can also use the shortcut SHIFT+ ⌘ + P (on macOS) or CTRL + SHIFT + P (on Windows/Linux).