Private Mode is developed in browsers for security purpose. Every browser comes with normal mode and as well as Private Mode or Incognito mode. This mode allows you to surf the Internet without saving your browsing data like history and cookies.
What is Private Browsing or Incognito Browsing?
Private Browsing or Incognito Browsing allows the secure browsing session by not storing any browsing data (cookies, passwords, history, form data, etc.seperate). This feature is available almost all latest browsers such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Internet Explorer and much more.
Private Mode also supports tabbed browsing which separates browsing sessions. For example, if you are using Firefox and logged into any website like Facebook and try to open a new tab you have to log in again in the new tab. This means your data not stored in the same session and every tab works independently.
However, many believe that Incognito mode or Private Mode hides your online identity which is not true. In this mode, your IP is still visible, and your location also is open to check. If you concern about your online identity, try VPN services, which offers great anonymous browsing.
How to Browse in Private Browsing or Incognito Mode on Any Web Browser
Here is my detailed Private Mode Switching guide for Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Opera, and Firefox.
How To Start InPrivate Browsing In Internet Explorer
Microsoft name Private Browsing in Internet Explorer as “InPrivate Browsing” which works same like Incognito mode in Google Chrome. InPrivate Browsing in IE does not keep any browsing data.
To launch InPrivate Browsing go to Settings > Saftey > InPrivate Browsing.
You can also launch InPrivate Browsing using this keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Shift+P.
Or you can directly start by clicking on the top right corner 3 dots hamburger menu->InPrivate Window.
How To Always Launch InPrivate Mode in Internet Explorer
If you like the private browsing internet explorer 11 or above and want to browse every time in this mode you can launch directly with a simple trick.
Create a Desktop shortcut icon of the Internet Explorer and right click on the icon. Here select Properties and in the Shortcut tab change the Target Location path to below address.
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe" -private
Now onwards when you launch the IE from Desktop shortcut you will directly launch InPrivate Mode Window.
How To Go Incognito On Chrome Browser
In Google Chrome private browsing also called as Incognito Mode. To open Chrome incognito, go to the top right menu and select”new incognito window.”
Also, you can launch using Ctrl+Shift+N together to open Chrome browser in incognito mode.
How To Always Launch Incognito Google Chrome
The process is similar to Internet Explorer. You can always open Google Chrome in Incognito mode by changing the directory location path of Desktop icon. Right click on the desktop Chrome icon and go to properties. Here go to Shortcut tab and at the end add –incognito at the end of the directory path.
How To Open Private Window in Firefox
To open a Private Window in Firefox, go to top right hamburger menu and click on it. Here, you will see the New Private Window option next to the New Window option. You can also open New Private Window using shortcut – Ctrl+Shift+P or Command+Shift+P.
How To Open Private Window in Opera Browser
Opera is a great browser when talking about faster performance. Opera offers Private Browsing, to open a Private Window select
How To Open Private Window in Safari Browser
Safari supports private browsing sessions like other browsers. To open a private browsing session, open Choose File > New Private Window.
How To Open Private Window is Maxthon Browser
In Maxthon Browser, click on the hamburger menu in the top right corner of the Window. Here, you will see three buttons: Normal, Private, and Session. Click on the Private to open a private window.
Conclusion
If you haven’t used Private Browsing yet, you can try the above methods to start your first private browsing experience. It is always advisable to surf the web anonymously, especially while using public Internet service. The above steps for opening a new private window in any browser will allow you a safer browsing experience.
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