How do I browse the web privately without saving history?
You'll be able to: Open an incognito or private browsing window so no browsing history, cookies, or searches are saved
- Risk
- Safe to try
- Windows
- Windows 11 · Windows 10
Filed under Safety & privacy
The steps
- 1
Open your web browser (Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Firefox). Your web browser window is open and active.
- 2
Hold Ctrl and Shift, then press the letter N (or CtrlShiftP in Firefox). A new dark-themed private window opens with a disguise icon or "InPrivate" badge next to the address bar.
A dark InPrivate or Incognito browser window with an icon in the top corner.
Screenshot on the way. The steps above are complete without it.
What does private browsing do?
Private browsing prevents the browser from saving your visit history, cookies, form inputs, or search queries on this computer.
- 3
Browse websites, sign in to temporary accounts, or perform your searches as normal. The private window works just like a standard browser while keeping its distinct dark frame and privacy icon.
Web page loaded inside the private window showing the active privacy indicator.
Screenshot on the way. The steps above are complete without it.
- 4
When you are done, click the Close button (X) in the top-right corner of the private window. The window closes immediately, and all temporary cookies, sign-in sessions, and history from that session are wiped completely from your device.
It looks different on my screen
You can also click the three dots menu in the top-right corner of your browser and select New Incognito window in Chrome, or New InPrivate window in Microsoft Edge.
Did this work?