You need a private Edge session, but the InPrivate option can sit in a different place depending on whether you are on Windows, Mac, iOS, or Android. The fastest fix is usually the browser menu or the keyboard shortcut. Use the method that matches your device, then move to the blocked-settings section if InPrivate does not appear.
Open InPrivate from the Edge menu
Open Microsoft Edge on your computer and select Settings and more.
Choose New InPrivate window. Edge opens a separate InPrivate window right away.
If New InPrivate window is missing, use the keyboard shortcut next, then check whether Family Safety or an organization policy is blocking InPrivate.
Use the keyboard shortcut
This applies when Microsoft Edge is already open and you want the fastest desktop command. Windows and Mac use different keys.
On Windows, press Ctrl + Shift + N.
On Mac, press Command + Shift + N.
Skip old instructions that use Ctrl + Shift + P. In current Microsoft Edge, Ctrl + Shift + N opens InPrivate on Windows.
Open an InPrivate tab on your phone
In the Microsoft Edge mobile app, use the menu or the tab switcher.
- 1.Open Microsoft Edge on your iOS or Android device.
- 2.Tap the menu button.
- 3.Tap New InPrivate tab.
- 4.For the tab switcher method, tap the numbered square icon on the menu bar.
- 5.Tap InPrivate, then tap the plus icon.
Open a specific link in InPrivate
In Microsoft Edge, select and hold or right-click the link you want to open privately.
Choose Open link in InPrivate window. Edge opens that link in an InPrivate window without requiring you to copy the address.
If Open link in InPrivate window is not available, open a new InPrivate window from Settings and more, then enter the page address there.
Start InPrivate from the Windows taskbar
This applies when Microsoft Edge is pinned to your Windows taskbar. Use it when Edge is closed and you want to launch straight into InPrivate.
Select and hold, or right-click, the Microsoft Edge logo on the taskbar.
Choose New InPrivate window from the jump list.
Make a shortcut always open InPrivate
Use this when you want one Windows Edge shortcut to open InPrivate every time. Pin Microsoft Edge to the Start menu or taskbar, or create a desktop shortcut.
Right-click the pinned icon, then right-click Microsoft Edge and choose Properties. If Properties is not shown, select Show more options or press F10, then choose Properties.
Select Shortcut. At the end of Target, add a space, then type inprivate, which is the wording Microsoft documents. If the shortcut still opens a normal window, use the switch form --inprivate instead.
Select OK. That shortcut now launches Microsoft Edge in InPrivate mode.
Fix missing InPrivate options
The most common cause for regular home users is a child account with Microsoft Family Safety activity reporting or web filtering turned on.
When those family controls are enabled through a family group, children cannot browse InPrivate in Microsoft Edge.
For a child account, review Family Safety settings for that family member. On the web, open Family Safety, find the family member and select the More (three-dot) icon, then choose Go to overview. Select Edge, then turn Filter inappropriate websites and searches on or off.
On a work, school, or managed device, an administrator can make InPrivate available, unavailable, or forced through Configure InPrivate mode availability. Contact the administrator if the option is missing and Family Safety is not involved.
Ignore old Internet Explorer instructions
This applies when a tutorial tells you to open InPrivate through Internet Explorer 11. Those steps are not current Microsoft Edge instructions.
Microsoft ended Internet Explorer 11 support on June 15, 2022 and recommends switching to Microsoft Edge.
For current private browsing, use Microsoft Edge and open InPrivate with Settings and more, New InPrivate window, the Ctrl + Shift + N shortcut on Windows, or the mobile New InPrivate tab option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the shortcut for an InPrivate window in Microsoft Edge?
On Windows, press Ctrl + Shift + N. On Mac, press Command + Shift + N.
Can I open only one link in an InPrivate window?
Yes. In Microsoft Edge on desktop, right-click or select and hold the link, then choose Open link in InPrivate window.
Why can’t I open InPrivate in Edge?
A child account with Microsoft Family Safety activity reporting or web filtering enabled can block InPrivate. On managed devices, an administrator can also disable or force InPrivate.
Does Ctrl + Shift + P open InPrivate in Microsoft Edge?
No. Current Microsoft Edge uses Ctrl + Shift + N for InPrivate on Windows. Ctrl + Shift + P is not the current InPrivate shortcut.