Windows users have become more aware of their privacy while browsing online and there have been unending conversations about how to enable incognito mode. Across all browsers, there are two ways to open Incognito i.e via the menu and via link. The top browsers we shall give priority today are Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Internet Explorer, and Mozilla Firefox. I bet you care about your privacy and this article has all you need to know to keep your data safe.
Table of Contents
Going Incognito: What You Need To Do
Via Menu
In Google Chrome
- Step 1: Launch Google Chrome then click the ellipses (…) in your top right.
- Step 2: Pick New Incognito Window and you should be browsing privately in a few
Alternatively, you can get to incognito mode using the shortcut Ctrl + Shift + N.
In Microsoft Edge
- Step 1: Open Microsoft Edge then click the three dots on your top right.
- Step 2: Select New InPrivate Window and you will instantly be presented with a Private Browsing page.
You can also use the shortcut keys Ctrl + Shift + N or Ctrl + Shift + P if you have not updated your browser in a while.
In Internet Explorer
- Step 1: Launch Internet Explorer then hit the cogwheel icon on the top right corner.
- Step 2: Hover over Safety then click InPrivate Browsing.
Internet Explorer also allows you to use the shortcut keys Ctrl + Shift + P.
In Mozilla Firefox
On the Mozilla Firefox window, hit the hamburger on your top right then choose New Private Window. Just like the preceding browsers, Firefox allows users to go incognito using the Ctrl + Shift + P shortcut.
Via Link
You can also go incognito by opening your desired link in a new incognito window. For instance, to go incognito on Google Chrome, right-click the link you would like to open privately then pick Open link in incognito window. Other browsers usually have an option like Open Link in New Private window.
The Difference Between Guest Mode And Incognito Mode: Summary
Guest mode on Google Chrome operates almost the same way as Incognito and there is a thin line between the two. Guest mode allows another user to add their profile while Incognito does not allow the user to add their profile.
When lending out your device, it is advisable to tell the other user to browse as a guest. That way, they will not be able to see your information and you cannot see theirs once you get back your device. As the primary user, you can use Incognito to bypass view page limits, access sites without cookies and determine whether your extensions are causing websites to misbehave. Once you have closed the guest or incognito windows, you cannot view history or get back your recently closed tabs using the Ctrl + Shift + T shortcut.
How To Disable Incognito Mode On Chrome
You can disable incognito mode on google chrome using the Registry Editor. However, keep in mind that editing the wrong key could cause other issues, so ensure to carefully navigate to the right key.
- Step 1: In Windows Search, type Regedit, right-click the top result then choose Run as administrator.
- Step 2: Expand HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE then go through the following directory SOFTWARE\Policies\Google.
- Step 3: Select Chrome, right-click IncognitoModeAvailability then pick Modify.
- Step 4: Change the value in the Value Data field to 1, hit OK then restart Windows to effect your changes.
Incognito Mode Not Opening On Google Chrome: Solutions
If you have tried going incognito on Chrome but it fails, ensure you have not disabled it in the Registry Editor. If you had disabled it, change the Registry value of IncognitoModeAvailability to 0 then restart your computer and Incognito should be back. If Incognito is still not opening, you will have to initiate the cleanup tool, restore Chrome to its default, or at worst reinstall the app.
Initiate Cleanup
- Step 1: Click the three dots on your top right then choose Settings.
- Step 2: Go to Reset and cleanup, select Cleanup computer then hit Find.
- Step 3: If Chrome finds any harmful software, follow the prompt to remove it then relaunch your browser.
Restore
- Step 1: Click the ellipses then choose Settings.
- Step 2: Navigate to Reset and clean up, pick Restore settings to their default then hit Reset Settings.
Uninstall And Reinstall
- Step 1: Press the Windows key + I then go to Apps.
- Step 2: Navigate to Apps & features, select Chrome from the list of applications then choose Uninstall.
- Step 3: After you have restarted your computer, launch your other browser then visit Google Chrome’s official website.
- Step 4: Download the latest release of the application and once the download is complete, double-click the setup file then follow the installation prompts.
