How to Access Private Browsing Mode on Desktop: A Quick Guide for All Major Browsers

Accessing a private browser, often referred to as "incognito mode" or "private window," is essential when you need to browse without saving history, cookies, or site data. This is especially useful for troubleshooting websites on desktop, as it allows you to view a page without cached files, cookies, or stored login sessions. By using private browsing, you can check whether issues on a website are resolved or if they are related to data stored in your regular browser sessions.

Google Chrome (Windows & macOS):

1. Open Google Chrome.

2. Click the three dots (menu) in the top-right corner.

3. Select New Incognito Window.

   • A new window will open with a dark background, and you will see the Incognito icon (hat and glasses) in the top corner, indicating you are in private browsing mode.

Safari (macOS):

1. Open Safari.

2. Click File in the menu bar at the top.

3. Select New Private Window.

   • A new window will open with a dark search bar, indicating that you are browsing privately.

Mozilla Firefox (Windows & macOS):

1. Open Firefox.

2. Click the three lines (menu) in the top-right corner.

3. Select New Private Window.

   • The window will open with a purple mask icon at the top, showing that you're in private browsing mode.

Microsoft Edge (Windows & macOS):

1. Open Microsoft Edge.

2. Click the three dots (menu) in the top-right corner.

3. Select New InPrivate Window.

   • A new window will open with an "InPrivate" label in the top-left corner, indicating private browsing.

Opera (Windows & macOS):

1. Open Opera.

2. Click the Opera logo in the top-left corner.

3. Select New Private Window.

   • A new window will open with a dark background and a mask icon in the top corner, indicating you’re in private mode.