HowTo - Open an Incognito/Private browser window (in EVERY major browser)
Overview
Google Chrome
Microsoft Edge
Mozilla Firefox
Safari (on macOS)
Overview
What is an Incognito/InPrivate/Private Browser Window?
An Incognito/InPrivate/Private window is a special type of browser session designed to provide a more private browsing experience on your device.
When you open one of these windows, the browser temporarily does not store certain information about your activity. This includes:
- Browsing history (the sites you visit)
- Cookies and site data
- Form entries (like usernames or search terms)
Once you close all Incognito/InPrivate windows, this session information is automatically cleared from your computer.
What this means for you
Using an Incognito/InPrivate window can help when you want to:
- Sign into multiple accounts at the same time (e.g., two email accounts)
- Avoid saved login sessions or cached data interfering with a website
- Use a shared or public computer without leaving your browsing history behind
- Test how a website behaves for a new or first-time visitor
Important limitations
It’s important to understand that this mode does NOT make you anonymous on the internet. Your activity may still be visible to:
- Your organization or network administrator
- Your internet service provider (ISP)
- The websites you visit
Incognito/InPrivate mode simply prevents local data from being stored on your device after the session ends.
These windows are often used for access testing in our Big Ten Academic Alliance Teams tenant, as they eliminate issues caused by cached data.
Google Chrome
1. Open Google Chrome
2. Click 3-dot in top right to open menu
3. Select "New Incognito window"
Microsoft Edge
1. Open Microsoft Edge
2. Click 3-dot in top right to open menu
3. Select "New InPrivate window"
Mozilla Firefox
1. Open Mozilla Firefox
2. Click hamburger menu in top right
3. Select "New private window"
Safari (on macOS)
1. Open Safari
2. Click "File" in top left to open menu
3. Select "New Private window"