Why Won’t Edge InPrivate Mode Start on Windows 11? Find Easy Solutions to Fix It

Can’t Browse Privately? How to Resolve Edge InPrivate Mode Not Working Fast

Private browsing in Microsoft Edge helps you keep your web activity more secure. This option is called InPrivate Mode. When you close all InPrivate windows, the browser deletes your browsing history, cookies, and cached files. Sometimes, you may find that InPrivate Mode will not open, or the option is missing. This issue can disrupt privacy, leaving your data at risk.

Problems with InPrivate Mode on Windows 11 can be solved with simple steps. Start with small actions and move to more advanced fixes if needed.

Simple Fixes for Edge InPrivate Mode Not Working

Solution 1: Restart Your Computer

Shut down and power your device back on.

This step ensures all temporary bugs and glitches are cleared.

Solution 2: Update Edge to the Latest Version

1. Open Edge.
2. Click the three dots at the top right.
3. Select Help & Feedback > About Microsoft Edge.
4. Install any available updates.
5. Restart Edge when the process is complete. An updated browser works better and closes known security holes.

Solution 3: Check if a Child Account is Logged In

Child accounts have limited features for safety.

InPrivate Mode might not be available for these profiles.

If you use a child account, log in with a standard user or administrator account to enable private browsing.

Solution 4: Check Registry and Group Policy Settings

On managed or work devices, administrators can block InPrivate Mode using the Group Policy or Registry.

Open the Registry Editor (regedit) and go to the following path:

Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge

Look for InPrivateModeAvailability DWORD:

• If set to 1, InPrivate Mode is disabled.
• Change to 0 (or delete the key) to let Edge use InPrivate Mode.

Use the Local Group Policy Editor on non-Home editions:

Navigate to: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Microsoft Edge

Find Allow InPrivate browsing. Set it to Enabled or Not Configured.

On managed work or school computers, ask your administrator for help.

Solution 5: Create a New User Profile

Sometimes, your user account on Windows becomes corrupt.

Create a new profile:

1. Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.
2. Click Add account.
3. Set up a new profile.

Log into the new account, open Edge, and check if InPrivate Mode works.

If it works here, your old profile may be damaged. Move needed files to the new account.

Solution 6: Reset Microsoft Edge

Resetting restores Edge’s default settings and can fix hidden problems.

1. Open Edge.
2. Click the three dots.
3. Go to Settings > Reset settings.
4. Click Restore settings to their default values.
5. Confirm your choice.

Your bookmarks and passwords stay safe, but startup pages, new tab content, and search providers reset.

Helpful Facts About InPrivate Browsing

Incognito Mode in Chrome and InPrivate Mode in Edge work the same way.

Other browsers have their own names for private mode: Firefox says Private Mode.

You don’t need to turn InPrivate Mode on in Edge. To use it:

• Press Ctrl + Shift + N, or
• Click the three dots at the top right and choose New InPrivate window.

Quick Action Tips

• Updating Edge and Restarting solve the most common issues.
• Check account type—child or work profiles can block private browsing.
• Review registry and group settings (be careful and back up your registry first).
• New user accounts can clear up profile-related errors.
• Resetting the browser is effective if other fixes fail.

Extra Step: Always Open Edge in InPrivate Mode (Optional)

You can make Edge always start in InPrivate Mode:

1. Right-click the Edge shortcut on your desktop.
2. Click Properties.
3. In the Target box, add -inprivate after the quote (with a space).
4. Click Apply, then OK.

Stay Positive—most issues with InPrivate Mode have simple fixes. Following these solutions helps protect your privacy and ensures you can browse the web the way you want.