What is a private or incognito window?
A private or incognito window is a temporary browsing window, within your web browser, that can help determine if there are any issues with your browser, user accounts that are logged-in, or simply to test what the public view of a webpage may be.
For example, with a Qualtrics survey, you may choose to view the published survey link in a private or incognito window, to take screenshots of the survey for a presentation or instructions.
Different browsers call this temporary browsing window different things, but the two most common terms are private or incognito windows.
How do you open a private or incognito window?
Google Chrome (and many other Chromium-based browsers, like Brave)
- Windows: Ctrl + Shift + N
- Mac: Command + Shift + N
OR
- Click the three dots in the top right corner of Chrome, and select “New Private/Incognito Window”
For more information, read this article on the Google Chrome help website →
Firefox
- Windows: Ctrl + Shift + P
- Mac: Command + Shift + P
OR
- Click the three dots in the top right corner of Firefox, and select “New Private Window”
For more information, read this article on the Mozilla Support website →
Microsoft Edge
- Windows: Ctrl + Shift + N
- Mac: Command + Shift + N
OR
- Open Settings in the top right corner of Edge, and select “New InPrivate window”
For more information, read this article on the Microsoft Support website →
Safari
- Mac: Command + Shift + N
OR
- Click “File” in your Mac’s menu bar, and select “New Private Window”
For more information, read this article in the Safari User Guide →
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