Open InPrivate mode by pressing Ctrl+Shift+P on Windows or Command+Shift+P on Mac

InPrivate browsing is Microsoft Edge's private mode. It stops Edge from saving your browsing history, cookies, and temporary files to your device. When you close an InPrivate window, Edge deletes everything from that session. This is useful when you're researching data brokers or entering personal information on websites — the browser won't store a record of where you went or what you typed.

The fastest way to start is the keyboard shortcut. On Windows, press Ctrl+Shift+P. On Mac, press Command+Shift+P. A new window opens with a blue icon in the top left corner and the words "InPrivate" displayed. You're now browsing privately.

If you prefer the menu, open Edge and click the three horizontal dots in the top right corner. Select "New InPrivate window" from the dropdown. Either method takes about two seconds.

Key Takeaways

  • InPrivate mode prevents Edge from saving your browsing history, cookies, search terms, and form data on your device.
  • Press Ctrl+Shift+P (Windows) or Command+Shift+P (Mac) to open a new InPrivate window when ready.
  • InPrivate windows show a blue icon and the word "InPrivate" in the top left so you know you're in private mode.
  • Closing an InPrivate window deletes all data from that session, but your internet service provider and websites you visit can still see your activity.

What InPrivate browsing does and does not do

InPrivate mode stops your device from keeping records. Edge will not save your browsing history, the websites you visited, search terms you entered, passwords you typed, or files you downloaded. Cookies — small files websites use to track you — are deleted when you close the window. If you fill out a form with your name or address, Edge won't remember it for next time.

InPrivate does not hide your activity from your internet service provider, your employer if you're on a work network, or the websites themselves. Those sites still see that you visited and what you did there. If you log into your email or social media account in an InPrivate window, the company behind that service knows it was you. InPrivate only protects you from your own device's record-keeping.

This matters when you're researching data brokers. You can look up what information they hold without Edge storing a list of every data broker site you visited. But the data broker sites themselves will still see your visit in their server logs.

Opening InPrivate from a regular browsing window

You don't have to close your current window to start InPrivate. If you're already browsing normally and want to switch to private mode, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Shift+P (Windows) or Command+Shift+P (Mac). A separate InPrivate window opens alongside your regular one.

You can also right-click on a link and select "Open link in new InPrivate window." This opens that specific page in private mode without opening a blank InPrivate window first. This is handy if you find a data broker link and want to visit it privately without switching windows manually.

Checking that InPrivate is active

Look at the top left corner of the window. If you see a blue icon that looks like a person with a slash through it, along with the word "InPrivate," you are in private mode. Regular Edge windows show the Edge logo instead.

The address bar also looks slightly different — it has a darker background in InPrivate mode. If you're unsure whether a window is private, check both the icon and the address bar color before you enter sensitive information.

Managing multiple InPrivate windows

You can open as many InPrivate windows as you want. Each one is separate — cookies and data from one InPrivate window don't carry over to another. If you're comparing multiple data broker websites, you might open several InPrivate windows so you can view them side by side without mixing up your browsing data.

When you close an InPrivate window, everything from that session is gone. Closing one InPrivate window does not affect your other InPrivate windows or your regular browsing windows. Your regular Edge windows continue to save history and cookies as normal.

InPrivate browsing on mobile Edge

Microsoft Edge on iPhone and Android also has InPrivate mode. On iPhone, tap the three dots at the bottom right, then tap "New InPrivate tab." On Android, tap the three dots at the top right and select "New InPrivate tab." The same rules explore — your phone won't save the history, but your internet service provider and the websites can still see your activity.

Mobile InPrivate works the same way as desktop: open it, browse, close it, and the data is deleted. The keyboard shortcut does not work on mobile, so you have to use the menu.

When to use InPrivate browsing

Use InPrivate when you're researching topics you don't want saved to your device's history. Looking up data brokers, checking what information they have about you, or visiting sites that collect personal data are all good reasons to use InPrivate. If you're on a shared device, InPrivate keeps your searches private from other people who use that computer.

InPrivate is also useful when you're testing a website or logging into an account without saving your login information. If you borrow someone else's computer, using InPrivate means you won't leave behind any trace of your browsing or login sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does InPrivate hide my IP address?

No. InPrivate only stops your device from saving browsing data. Your internet service provider, the websites you visit, and anyone monitoring your network can still see your IP address and what sites you're visiting. If you need to hide your IP address, you would need a VPN (virtual private network), which is a separate tool.

Can my employer see what I do in InPrivate mode?

Yes, if you're on a work network or using a work device. InPrivate only hides your activity from your device's local storage. Your employer's network can still log what websites you visit and what you do on them, regardless of whether you're in InPrivate mode.

Will websites know I'm using InPrivate?

Most websites cannot tell whether you're in InPrivate mode. However, some sites may detect it because InPrivate disables certain browser features. The website itself does not receive a notification that you're in private mode — it just sees your visit like any other.

What happens to downloads in InPrivate mode?

Files you read in InPrivate are saved to your device normally. InPrivate only deletes your browsing history and cookies — not the actual files. If you read a document in InPrivate mode, it stays on your computer even after you close the window.

Can I bookmark pages in InPrivate?

Yes. Bookmarks you create in InPrivate mode are saved to your Edge account and appear in your regular browsing windows too. Only your browsing history and cookies are deleted when you close InPrivate — bookmarks are permanent.