How to Set Up Incognito Mode Shortcut on Windows

Every time a privacy issue arises, we all switch our browsers to incognito mode to avoid trackers tracking our activities. However, switching back and forth between general and incognito mode can be time-consuming. That’s why it’s highly recommended to create an Incognito mode shortcut on Windows for ease of use.

The first browser with private browsing was Apple’s Safari 2.0 in 2005. Well, three years later, Google Chrome 1.0 came out with incognito mode. Then it was a series of browsers that added this feature one by one. Like meIn 2009, Microsoft Internet Explorer 8 and Mozilla Firefox 3.5 came out with their private browsing versions.

Although the method of creating an incognito mode shortcut is slightly different for each browser, the method is comparatively simple. Let’s dive in.

What does private mode mean

A private mode allows users to surf the Internet without storing any information about their activities. In other words, the browser doesn’t store your history, cache, cookies or any other data, so you won’t see personalized ads on search engines.

This mode is commonly used when logging into sensitive websites or working on a public computer. In addition, it is sometimes used to bypass website filters. Private mode looks the same as normal/general mode, but your activity is not saved.

How to create a shortcut for a private browsing window

Almost all browsers today offer incognito/private mode. The feature is called differently in each browser. Google Chrome calls this mode Incognito, Firefox and Opera call it Private Browsing, Microsoft Edge calls it InPrivate, and Brave calls it Private Window. Although they have different names, they are all functionally the same.

The first step to setting up an incognito mode shortcut on Windows is to create your default browser shortcut on the desktop.

We’ve already covered those The Best Ways to Create Desktop Shortcuts on Windows 11. However, for your convenience, we’ll add quick steps below. Consequences.

Step 1: Right-click on the desktop, go to New and select Shortcut.

step 2: In the Shortcut Wizard, click the Browse button.

step 3: Now find the browser app (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera, Brave) you want to add as a desktop shortcut and click OK.

step 4: Click on Continue.

step 5: Enter a name for the shortcut and click Finish.

With this, Windows will add your selected browser as a desktop shortcut. The above steps are similar for all browsers installed on your Windows PC. Mind you, the process of creating a shortcut in incognito mode on Windows is incomplete. So follow the instructions for the browser you are using to create a private browser shortcut.

Set up the shortcut for Google Chrome incognito mode

After creating the Chrome shortcut on your computer, follow the instructions below.

Step 1: Right-click the shortcut and click Show More Options.

step 2: Click Properties.

step 3: Type in the target field after the closing quote -incognito.

step 4: Click Apply and OK.

Now your Google Chrome is ready to start in Incognito mode. That said, if you’d rather use regular mode, here is How to delete cookies in Google Chrome.

Create a shortcut for the Mozilla Firefox private window

If you use Mozilla Firefox as your default browser, things are no different. fFollow the steps below after creating the Firefox shortcut.

Step 1: Right-click the shortcut and click Show More Options.

step 2: Click Properties.

step 3: In the target field, after the closing quote, append the existing path with spaces, type -private window.

step 4: Click Apply and then click OK.

Now your Mozilla Firefox is set to start immediately in Private Browsing. However, if Firefox is acting strangely for you, check out these 5 ways to fix Firefox not opening on Windows.

Shortcut for InPrivate window on Microsoft Edge

The Chromium-based Microsoft Edge is similar to many features of Google Chrome. However, the browser uses the term InPrivate instead of Incognito, which dates back to early Internet Explorer. Follow the steps below to create an InPrivate shortcut for Edge.

Step 1: Right-click the shortcut and click Show More Options.

step 2: Click Properties.

step 3: In the target field, after the closing quote, append the existing path with spaces, type -in trust.

step 4: Click Apply and then click OK.

Here we go. You can now open Microsoft Edge in InPrivate mode with the click of a button.

Shortcut for InPrivate Browsing on Opera

Opera has a 2.1% share of the browser market. In addition, they supported Apple’s Safari-like private browsing mode. If you are an Opera user, follow the steps below.

Step 1: Right-click the shortcut and click Show More Options.

step 2: Click Properties.

step 3: In the target field, after the closing quote, append the existing path with spaces, type -in trust.

step 4: Click Apply and then click OK.

Please. Now you can open Opera’sOpera Private Browsing tab directly from the desktop.

Create a Brave Browser shortcut for a private window

It’s a relatively new browser on the market, but it offers many features like built-in ad blockers, cross-site tracker, etc. for users who care about privacy. Needless to say, Brave also includes a private browsing feature. Here’s how to speed it up from your desktop.

Step 1: Right-click the shortcut and click Show More Options.

step 2: Click Properties.

step 3: In the target field, after the closing quote, append the existing path with spaces, type -incognito.

step 4: Click Apply and OK.

And that was about it. Now you can click the Brave shortcut to open it in the private window. If you’ve already decided on Brave, this comprehensive Microsoft Edge Chromium vs. Brave comparison might get you thinking.

What you can and can’t do in private browsing mode

A private browsing mode is a great way to surf the web privately. However, your activity may still be visible to your employer, school, or internet service provider (ISP).

While you can access all websites in private browsing mode, you cannot access your email, social media, and other logged accounts without logging into them. This is because no cookies are stored in private browsing mode. Also, your extensions won’t be visible if you haven’t activated them.

In addition, all downloads initiated in Incognito mode are saved in a unique Downloads folder and not in your default Downloads folder. Also, you cannot bookmark a website or track browsing history. If that doesn’t bother you, Incognito is undoubtedly great for privacy purposes.

Frequently asked questions about incognito mode

Quick access in incognito mode

Private or incognito browsing is an integral part of the security aspect that a user is looking for. It also becomes important to have an incognito mode shortcut on Windows if you want to quickly visit a sensitive website without notifying the trackers. I hope this article has helped you. Let us know which browser you use by default in the comments section below.