When browsing the web on shared computers, public workstations, or even your primary device, protecting your personal browsing habits, account credentials, and temporary search queries is essential. Standard browsing sessions persistently cache visited web pages, store cookies, log search queries in the address bar, and save form autofill data. In scenarios where you need to check personal email on a work laptop, log into multiple accounts on the same website simultaneously, or test website layouts without cached assets, InPrivate Browsing in Microsoft Edge provides a secure sandbox.
When you browse in an InPrivate window, Microsoft Edge does not save your browsing history, cookies, site data, passwords, addresses, or form entries once all InPrivate windows are closed. Furthermore, Edge enforces strict tracking prevention by default inside InPrivate sessions. This guide details how to launch, configure, and customise InPrivate Browsing in Microsoft Edge, manage extension permissions in private windows, and configure always-on InPrivate desktop shortcuts.
Privacy Scope: InPrivate browsing prevents your local computer and other device users from inspecting your browsing history or session cookies. However, it does not hide your web traffic from your Internet Service Provider (ISP), network administrator, or corporate employer if monitoring software is installed on the device.
What InPrivate Browsing Protects and Clears
Understanding how Edge handles data during and after an InPrivate session ensures you use the feature effectively:
- Deleted on Window Closure: All temporary cookies, cached images, web storage, and browsing history accumulated during the session are completely purged from disk the moment you close the final InPrivate tab.
- Preserved Data: Any files you deliberately download to your local drive and bookmarks/favourites you save during the session remain stored on your PC.
- Account Isolation: InPrivate windows operate in a completely separate cookie container. This allows you to log into two different accounts on the same web service (such as two Microsoft 365, Google, or GitHub accounts) side-by-side with your standard browser window.
- Strict Tracking Prevention: Edge automatically applies Strict Tracking Prevention inside InPrivate sessions, blocking the majority of third-party trackers across websites.
Step 1: Launching InPrivate Browsing in Microsoft Edge
You can open an InPrivate window using several quick methods:
Method A: Via Keyboard Shortcut (Fastest)
Press Ctrl + Shift + N on Windows or Linux (or Cmd + Shift + N on macOS) to instantly launch a new InPrivate window.
Method B: Via the Edge Menu
- Click the Settings and more menu (...) in the top-right corner of Microsoft Edge.
- Select New InPrivate window from the dropdown list.
- An InPrivate window opens, indicated by a dark blue “InPrivate” badge in the upper right corner beside the window controls.
Method C: Opening Specific Links Directly InPrivate
If you encounter a link in a standard webpage that you wish to view without logging into an account or generating search history, right-click the link and choose Open link in InPrivate window.
Step 2: Allowing Specific Extensions in InPrivate Windows
By default, Microsoft Edge disables all installed browser extensions inside InPrivate windows. This prevents third-party add-ons from monitoring your private browsing data. However, you may need essential tools like password managers or ad blockers while browsing privately:
- Open Microsoft Edge and click the Extensions icon (puzzle piece) in the toolbar, or type
edge://extensions/in the address bar and press Enter. - Locate the extension you wish to authorise (such as a password manager).
- Click Details beneath the extension name.
- Check the box labelled Allow in InPrivate.
- A security prompt warns you that the extension will have access to your private browsing pages; confirm to activate.
Step 3: Customising InPrivate Search and Tracking Controls
You can customise how Microsoft Edge handles web search suggestions and tracking while browsing InPrivate:
- In Microsoft Edge, navigate to Settings > Privacy, search, and services (or enter
edge://settings/privacy). - Under the Tracking prevention section, verify that Always use “Strict” tracking prevention when browsing InPrivate is toggled to On.
- Scroll down to Address bar and search at the bottom of the page.
- Toggle Show me search and site suggestions using my typed characters. If you value maximum privacy, turning this off prevents keystrokes entered into the InPrivate address bar from being sent in real time to your search engine.
Step 4: Creating a Dedicated “Always InPrivate” Desktop Shortcut
If you want a dedicated desktop icon that launches Microsoft Edge directly into InPrivate mode every time:
- Right-click an empty space on your Windows desktop and choose New > Shortcut.
- In the location field, enter the file path to Microsoft Edge followed by the
-inprivateflag:"C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application\msedge.exe" -inprivate - Click Next.
- Type a descriptive name for the shortcut, such as
Edge InPrivate, and click Finish. - Double-clicking this shortcut will now open an isolated, private browsing window immediately.
InPrivate vs Normal Browsing Comparison
| Data Type / Category | Normal Browsing Session | InPrivate Browsing Session |
|---|---|---|
| Browsing History | Saved permanently until cleared | Purged instantly upon closing window |
| Cookies and Site Data | Retained across browser launches | Isolated temporarily; discarded on exit |
| Form Autofill & Passwords | Prompts to save and autofill | Never saved or suggested |
| Downloaded Files | Saved to Downloads folder | Saved to Downloads folder (retained) |
| New Favourites / Bookmarks | Saved to favourites bar | Saved to favourites bar (retained) |
| Tracking Prevention | Balanced by default | Strict by default |