The private browsing mode in Microsoft Edge is called InPrivate browsing.
Understanding InPrivate Browsing in Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge's InPrivate browsing mode offers users a way to navigate the internet without leaving a significant trail on their local device. It's designed for situations where you want to keep your browsing activity separate from your regular usage.
What Happens in an InPrivate Session?
When you use InPrivate tabs or windows, your browsing data (like your history, temporary internet files, and cookies) isn't saved on your PC once you're done. This includes:
- Browsing history: Websites you visit will not appear in your history.
- Temporary internet files: Cache and other temporary files are discarded.
- Cookies: New cookies created during the session are deleted once all InPrivate windows are closed.
- Form data: Information entered into forms is not saved.
- Permissions granted: Site permissions (e.g., for camera or microphone access) are reset.
It's important to remember that while InPrivate browsing keeps your local device clear, it does not make you anonymous online. Your internet service provider, employer, or the websites you visit may still be able to track your activity.
How to Open an InPrivate Window
Opening a new InPrivate window in Microsoft Edge is a straightforward process:
- Open Microsoft Edge.
- Select the Settings and More icon (represented by three dots
...) in the top right corner of the browser. - From the dropdown menu, select New InPrivate window.
Alternatively, you can often use a keyboard shortcut:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + N (on Windows) or Cmd + Shift + N (on macOS).
Key Benefits of Using InPrivate Mode
Using InPrivate browsing offers several practical advantages:
- Privacy on Shared Devices: Keeps your browsing separate from other users on a shared computer.
- Testing Websites: Useful for web developers or users who want to see how a website behaves without existing cookies or cached data.
- Avoiding Personalized Ads (Temporarily): New cookies aren't saved, which can prevent some immediate ad personalization based on that session.
- Logging into Multiple Accounts: You can log into a second account on a website (e.g., two different Gmail accounts) simultaneously without logging out of your primary account in your regular browser window.
InPrivate vs. Standard Browsing Data
Here's a quick comparison of what data is handled differently between standard and InPrivate browsing sessions:
| Feature | Standard Browsing | InPrivate Browsing |
|---|---|---|
| Browsing History | Saved | Not Saved |
| Cookies | Saved | Deleted at session end |
| Temporary Files (Cache) | Saved | Deleted at session end |
| Form Data | Saved | Not Saved |
| Passwords | Saved | Not Saved |
| Download History | Saved | Not Saved |
When to Use InPrivate Browsing
Consider using InPrivate browsing for:
- Online shopping on a public computer: To prevent your login credentials or browsing history from being stored.
- Researching sensitive topics: While it doesn't guarantee anonymity, it helps keep your local device clear.
- Surprising a loved one: When buying gifts or planning a trip, so your regular browser history doesn't reveal the surprise.
- Troubleshooting website issues: To eliminate browser extensions or cached data as potential causes.
