The incognito shortcut key is Ctrl + Shift + N in Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge, where Edge calls it an InPrivate window. Firefox uses Ctrl + Shift + P. On a Mac, Chrome and Safari use Command + Shift + N.
A private window does not save the sites you visit, cookies or form entries on that computer after you close it. It does not make you invisible on the internet: your office, school or internet provider can still see traffic. Details are below.
Quick facts
Chrome, Edge
Ctrl + Shift + NFirefox
Ctrl + Shift + PMac
Command + Shift + NClose private window
Ctrl + Shift + WSaved after closing
No history, cookies or form dataStill visible to
Network owner and websites
Incognito shortcut key by browser
| Browser | Windows | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Chrome (Incognito) | Ctrl + Shift + N | Command + Shift + N |
| Edge (InPrivate) | Ctrl + Shift + N | Command + Shift + N |
| Firefox (Private Window) | Ctrl + Shift + P | Command + Shift + P |
| Safari (Private Window) | Not on Windows | Command + Shift + N |
Incognito mode shortcut key in laptop browsers
- Open the browser.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + N (or Ctrl + Shift + P in Firefox). A dark window opens with a private browsing message.
- Browse normally. Sign in to accounts if needed.
- Close every private window with Ctrl + Shift + W when finished; that is when the data is cleared.
The keys use only letters, so the incognito mode shortcut key in laptop keyboards is exactly the same as on desktops.
What a private window does and does not do
| Private mode | Yes or no |
|---|---|
| Keeps history off this computer | Yes |
| Deletes cookies when closed | Yes |
| Keeps downloads | Yes, files stay in Downloads |
| Hides you from your office network | No |
| Hides you from websites you sign in to | No |
| Blocks viruses | No |
Good uses for incognito
Signing in to a second account without logging out of your own, checking how a website looks to a new visitor, using a friend's laptop, or searching for a gift without it showing in shared history. Bookmarks you save in a private window are kept, so be careful with those. To open a link straight into a private window, right click it and choose Open link in incognito window. Normal tab keys are on the new tab shortcut page.
When the shortcut does not open a private window
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| A new folder appears instead | File Explorer was active; click the browser first |
| Incognito is disabled | Parental controls or office policy can block it |
| Firefox does nothing on Ctrl + Shift + N | Firefox uses Ctrl + Shift + P |
| Extensions missing | Most extensions are off in private windows by default |
Guest mode and separate profiles
Chrome and Edge also offer a Guest window, which is better than incognito when handing your laptop to someone else: they cannot see your bookmarks, saved passwords or history at all. For two people sharing one computer every day, separate browser profiles are better still, each with its own sign in, bookmarks and extensions. Profiles are added from the profile icon at the top right of the browser. Private windows remain the quick choice for a single session on someone else's machine.
Frequently asked questions
What is the incognito shortcut key?
What is the private window shortcut in Firefox?
What is the incognito shortcut on Mac?
Does incognito hide my browsing from my office?
No. The network owner can still see traffic.
Are downloads deleted after incognito?
No. Downloaded files stay on the computer.
How do I close all incognito windows?
Press Ctrl + Shift + W in each private window.