Whether you call it Incognito, InPrivate, or simply Private Browsing, the concept remains the same: a way to browse the web without leaving local traces on your computer. These modes are designed to clear your history, cookies, and form data once you close the window.
However, there is a common misconception that these features make you anonymous online. They do not. Your internet service provider (ISP), employer, or network administrator can still see what sites you visit. Private browsing only prevents other users of your specific device from seeing your activity later.
Here is how to open private sessions in the four most popular browsers on Windows and macOS, along with tips on their built-in tracking prevention tools.
#1 Google Chrome: Incognito Mode
Google Chrome uses the term “Incognito” for its private browsing feature. When you launch an Incognito window, Chrome displays a dark-themed interface to distinguish it from your regular tabs. It also shows a reminder that while local data isn’t saved, your activity is still visible to your network administrators and ISPs.
To open an Incognito window quickly, press Ctrl+Shift+N on Windows or Command+Shift+N on macOS. Alternatively, click the three vertical dots in the top-right corner of the browser and select “New Incognito Window.” You can also right-click any link and choose “Open Link in Incognito Window” to open that specific page privately.
Chrome blocks third-party cookies by default in Incognito mode. This helps prevent advertisers from tracking you across different sites during your session, though it does not hide your activity from the websites themselves or your network provider.
#2 Microsoft Edge: InPrivate Browsing
Microsoft Edge calls its private mode “InPrivate.” Like Chrome, Edge uses a distinct dark theme and places an oval badge labeled “In Private” next to the address bar so you always know which window is active. Edge provides detailed explanations on the startup screen about what data is collected and how tracking prevention works.
Launch InPrivate by pressing Ctrl+Shift+N (Windows) or Command+Shift+N (macOS). You can also access it via the three-dot menu in the top-right corner. A handy pro tip for Windows users: right-click the Edge icon on your taskbar and select “New InPrivate Window” to launch directly into private mode without opening a standard window first.
Edge includes “Tracking Prevention” which works in both standard and InPrivate modes. You can configure this in Settings under Privacy, Search, and Services. For maximum privacy, toggle on “Always use Strict tracking prevention when browsing InPrivate.” This ensures the harshest anti-tracking filters are applied automatically whenever you open an InPrivate window.
#3 Mozilla Firefox: Private Browsing
Firefox refers to its feature as “Private Browsing.” Unlike Chrome and Edge, Firefox does not darken the entire browser interface. Instead, it uses a purple mask icon in the title bar (left side on Windows, right side on macOS) to indicate you are in private mode.
To start a Private Browsing session, press Ctrl+Shift+P on Windows or Command+Shift+P on macOS. You can also click the hamburger menu (three horizontal lines) and select “New private window.” Firefox explicitly warns users that this mode does not make them anonymous online, only locally.
Firefox’s “Enhanced Tracking Protection” is enabled by default in all modes, including Private Browsing. This means trackers are blocked regardless of whether you choose Standard, Strict, or Custom settings. Additionally, Firefox defaults to HTTPS-only mode for security, ensuring your connection to websites is encrypted whenever possible.
#4 Apple Safari: Private Window
Safari was actually the first browser to introduce private browsing back in 2005. On macOS, you can open a Private Window by pressing Command+Shift+N or selecting “New Private Window” from the File menu. The address bar turns dark gray, and a “Private” button appears in the top-left corner of the window.
Safari’s warning message is concise, stating that it won’t remember visited pages, search history, or AutoFill information after you close the window. It does not explicitly warn about ISP visibility on the startup screen like Chrome and Edge do.
Under the hood, Safari uses Intelligent Tracking Protection (ITP). This feature blocks third-party cookies and prevents cross-site tracking by default. You can verify this is active in Preferences under Privacy, where “Prevent cross-site tracking” should be checked. ITP works in both standard and private windows, providing a baseline layer of privacy without needing to toggle modes.
What this means for you
If you share your computer with family members or coworkers, private browsing is essential for keeping your local history clean. However, do not rely on it for true anonymity. If you need to hide your activity from your ISP or network administrator, consider using a reputable VPN service instead of just Incognito mode.
For everyday privacy against advertisers, the built-in tracking prevention in Edge and Firefox is often sufficient without needing to open a private window every time. Use private modes when you want to avoid saving passwords or history on that specific device, but remember that the internet still sees what you do.
Source: Computerworld
Over to you: Which private browsing feature do you find easiest to use: Chrome’s Incognito, Edge’s InPrivate, Firefox’s Private Window, or Safari’s Private Mode?
