Can I start Microsoft Edge in Private mode from a shortcut? Private mode is a useful feature of Microsoft Edge that allows you to surf without leaving traces (like your history, temporary internet files, and cookies) of your activities on your PC. Here are 3 simple ways to open Edge in Private mode in Windows 10.

Method 1: Open Edge in Private mode from Start Menu or Taskbar

If you’ve pinned the Edge browser to Start Menu or taskbar, just right-click on it and then click New InPrivate window option.

Microsoft Edge will then launch in Private mode.

Method 2: Access Private mode from within Edge Browser

Start your Edge browser, then click on the three dots labelled More actions. Select New InPrivate window to open a new window in Private mode.

Method 3: Create a Desktop Shortcut to Open Edge in Private mode

1. Right-click any empty area on your desktop, and then select New -> Shortcut.

   

2. When the wizard of creating shortcut appears, copy and paste the following in the location box. Click Next.

   cmd.exe /c start shell:AppsFolder\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe!MicrosoftEdge -private

   

3. Give a name for the shortcut. E.g., Microsoft Edge InPrivate.

   

4. Now you can see the newly-created shortcut on your desktop, but it uses the Command Prompt icon. To change the icon, right-click on the shortcut and select Properties.
5. In the Properties window, go to the Shortcut tab. Click the Change Icon button.

   

6. Copy and paste the following path into the “Look for icons in this file” box, and hit Enter. When you see the Edge icon, click OK.

   %SystemRoot%\SystemApps\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe\MicrosoftEdge.exe

   

7. You’re all done. Simply double-click the Edge shortcut on the desktop and you can open Edge in Private mode automatically.