Date

February 23, 2026

Type

Knowledge Base (KB)

Owner

Joel Vanner

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 →

Additional Resources