Introduction
This purpose of this article is to explain how to open a private browser window, also called an incognito window and a window in privacy mode, in:
Overview
A private browser window uses your usual web browser, but prevents your computer from remembering your browsing history. When you use a private browser window, the websites you visit and the passwords you use during the private browsing session are not stored in your computer's file system or your browser's history.
Please Note: Even if you use a private browser window, all of your visits to the websites you visit, your clicks on ads, and more can be stored on the Internet and tracked by the websites you visit using tracking cookies. Read more details about the University of Oregon's
Acceptable Use of Computing Resources policy.
In Google Chrome/ChromeOS
To open an incognito window in Google Chrome/ChromeOS, follow these steps:
Method 1: Keyboard Shortcut Option
- If you are using a Windows-based operating system, press Ctrl+Shift+N on your keyboard at the same time. If you are using a Mac, press Command+Shift+N on your keyboard at the same time.
Method 2: Menu Option
- Open Chrome/ChromeOS.
- Click the three vertical dots in the upper-right corner that represent the Customize and Control Google Chrome menu.
- In the Customize and Control Google Chrome drop-down menu, select the option for New Incognito window.
In Mozilla Firefox
To open an incognito window in Mozilla Firefox, follow these steps:
Method 1: Keyboard Shortcut Option
1. If you are using a Windows-based operating system, press Ctrl+Shift+P at the same time. If you are using a Mac, press Command+Shift+P on your keyboard at the same time.
Method 2: Menu Option
- Open a public window in Mozilla Firefox.
- Locate the button on the upper-right corner of the screen that features three horizontal lines grouped together. A drop-down window will open.
- Click New Private Window.
In Apple Safari
To open a private browsing window in Safari, follow these steps:
Method 1: Keyboard Shortcut Option
- In Apple Safari, press Command+Shift+N on your keyboard at the same time.
Method 2: Menu Option
- In Apple Safari, click the word File at the top of a public browser window to open the File menu.
- Select the New Private Window option.
In Microsoft Edge
To open a private browsing window, called an InPrivate Window, in Edge, follow these steps:
Method 1: Keyboard Shortcut Option
- If you are using Microsoft Windows, press Ctrl-Shift-N while you are using Microsoft Edge.
- If you are using an Apple operating system, press Command-Shift-N while you are using Microsoft Edge.
Method 2: Menu Option
- In Microsoft Edge, click the button in the upper-right corner containing three horizontal dots to open an additional menu.
- Select the New InPrivate Window option.