To open a private Internet window, commonly known as an incognito window in Chrome, you can follow a few simple steps through your browser's menu.
A private Internet window, often referred to as Incognito mode or Private Browsing, allows you to browse the web without the browser saving your browsing history, cookies, site data, or information entered in forms. It's important to note that your activity might still be visible to websites you visit, your employer or school, or your internet service provider.
Steps to Open a Private Window (Incognito Mode in Chrome)
Opening a private browsing session is quick and easy. Here are the steps, based on the process for opening an incognito window in Chrome:
- Click the Chrome menu
- Look for the Chrome menu icon on the browser toolbar. This is typically represented by three vertical or horizontal dots.
- Select New incognito window
- From the dropdown menu that appears, find and click on the option labeled "New incognito window".
- A new window will open
- A new browser window will appear. You will typically see the incognito icon (often a figure wearing a hat and glasses) displayed prominently in the corner of this new window, confirming you are in incognito mode.
- You can continue browsing as normal in your original, standard browser window while the incognito window is open.
Quick Keyboard Shortcuts
Many browsers also offer keyboard shortcuts to quickly open a private window:
- Windows/Linux: Press
Ctrl + Shift + N - macOS: Press
Cmd + Shift + N
Using a private window is useful for various purposes, such as checking email on a shared computer, signing into multiple accounts on the same website simultaneously, or testing website views without existing cookies affecting the display.
