To go incognito on Microsoft Edge you simply need to open what is called an InPrivate window. You can do this very quickly by using a keyboard shortcut on your computer. If you are using Windows you should press the Ctrl key, the Shift key, and the N key all at the same time. Mac users need to press Command, Shift, and N together to get the same result. You can also click the menu button in the top right corner of the browser window. Select the option that says New InPrivate window to start browsing without saving your history.
Tutorial – How to go incognito on Microsoft Edge
This section will guide you through the manual method of opening a private window using the browser menu. It is a very simple process that only takes a few clicks to complete. Once you learn these steps you will be able to browse the internet with more privacy whenever you want.
Step 1: Open the Microsoft Edge browser on your computer.
You need to have the main browser window open before you can access the menu settings. Look for the icon that looks like a blue and green wave on your desktop or taskbar. Click it once to launch the program and wait for your homepage to load.
Step 2: Locate and click the three dots in the top right corner.
This icon is technically called the “Settings and more” menu but most people just call it the three dots. It is located to the right of the address bar where you type in websites. Clicking this icon will drop down a long list of options for you to choose from.
Step 3: Select New InPrivate window from the list of options.
You will see this option near the top of the menu list that just appeared. It usually has an icon next to it that looks like a simplified person with a mask or glasses. Click on this text to instantly open a new browsing session.
Step 4: Confirm that you are in InPrivate mode.
A new window will pop up that looks darker than your normal browser window. You will see a blue oval that says “InPrivate” in the top right corner next to the address bar. The screen will also display text explaining what this mode does and does not do for your privacy.
Once you have completed these steps you are officially browsing in private. The browser will no longer store your search history or the cookies from the websites you visit. When you close this window all temporary data from your session is wiped clean immediately.
Tips for how to go incognito on Microsoft Edge
- You can right-click on any link on a webpage and select “Open link in InPrivate window” to open just that specific page in private mode.
- Remember that using this mode does not hide your browsing from your internet service provider or your employer.
- You can pin the Edge icon to your taskbar and right-click it to jump straight into an InPrivate window without opening the regular browser first.
- Most of your browser extensions will be disabled by default when you use this mode to prevent them from tracking you.
- You can set up a shortcut on your desktop that always launches Edge in InPrivate mode if you prefer to never save history.
Is InPrivate mode the same as a VPN?
No, they are very different tools that serve different purposes. InPrivate mode only stops your own computer from saving your history. A VPN actually hides your location and encrypts your traffic from the outside world.
Will my school or boss know what I am doing?
Yes, they can likely still see what websites you are visiting. The network administrator can monitor traffic flowing through the router regardless of your browser settings. You should assume you are being watched if you are on a managed network.
Does Microsoft Edge save files I download in this mode?
The browser does not keep a record of the download in your history list. However, the actual file you downloaded stays on your computer hard drive. You have to manually delete the file if you do not want anyone to find it later.
Can I retrieve my history after closing the window?
Once you close an InPrivate window the history is gone forever. There is no easy “undo” button to bring back that list of sites. You should bookmark pages you want to save before you close the window.
Why do I still see ads based on my location?
Websites can still see your IP address which gives them a general idea of where you are located. This mode does not mask your digital footprint from the websites themselves. It only keeps your local computer clean of temporary files.
Summary
- Open Edge.
- Click three dots.
- Select New InPrivate window.
- Check for InPrivate logo.
Conclusion
Privacy is a major concern for many people living in the digital age. We all leave a digital footprint wherever we go online. Using tools like InPrivate browsing is a great first step in taking control of your personal data. It is important to understand that this feature is useful for keeping secrets from people who use your physical computer. It is perfect for shopping for birthday gifts on a shared family PC or looking up medical questions you want to keep to yourself.
However, you must remember the limitations of this tool. It is not a magic cloak of invisibility that hides you from everyone. Your internet service provider and the websites you visit can still track you. Real privacy requires a combination of good habits and perhaps additional software like a VPN. You should always be mindful of where you click and what information you share.
Learning how to manage your browser history is a fundamental skill for modern internet users. It keeps your browser running smoothly by reducing clutter. It also prevents embarrassing moments when someone else borrows your device. Now that you know how to go incognito on microsoft edge you can browse with a little more confidence and freedom. Make sure to use this feature whenever you need a clean slate for your browsing session.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.
Read his full bio here.
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