Opening Edge in Private Mode using the Command Line

In the fast-paced world of digital technology, privacy has become an essential consideration for users of web browsers. One way to enhance your online privacy is by browsing in private or incognito mode. Microsoft Edge, like other modern browsers, provides users with the ability to use an InPrivate browsing session. This mode allows you to surf the web without leaving a trace on your local machine. For developers and advanced users alike, being able to start Microsoft Edge in InPrivate mode using the command line can be an invaluable tool. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore two effective methods that you can utilize to open Edge in private mode directly from your command line interface.

How do I open Edge in private mode using the command line?

The process of opening Edge in private mode via the command line is straightforward, and it can be accomplished through different command line utilities such as Command Prompt and PowerShell. Below, we delve into the details of these two methods.

1. Use Command Prompt

Opening Microsoft Edge in InPrivate mode through Command Prompt is a simple task. This can be achieved by utilizing the start command along with the necessary parameters. Here’s how you can do it:
Open the Command Prompt on your computer. You can do this by typing cmd in the Windows search bar and hitting Enter. Once in Command Prompt, use the following syntax:
start msedge.exe www.windowsreport.com -inprivate –new-window
In this command, start is used to launch a new window, msedge.exe is the executable file for Microsoft Edge, and www.windowsreport.com is the website you wish to visit in private mode. The -inprivate flag instructs Edge to start in InPrivate mode, and the parameter –new-window specifies that it should open a new window altogether. This allows you to run multiple sessions of the browser simultaneously if desired.

2. Use PowerShell

PowerShell offers another efficient way to open Edge in InPrivate mode. It is a task automation framework that combines a command line shell with an associated scripting language. To open Microsoft Edge in InPrivate mode using PowerShell, follow these steps:
1. Open PowerShell by typing PowerShell in the Windows search bar and launching the application.
2. Execute the following command:
Start-Process msedge.exe -ArgumentList "-inprivate", "-new-window", "windowsreport.com"
In this command, Start-Process is utilized to create a new process, and the -ArgumentList parameter allows you to specify various arguments. The "-inprivate" and "-new-window" arguments function similarly to their counterparts in the Command Prompt method, ensuring that your browsing session is launched privately and in a new window.

How do I open Edge in CMD?

If you prefer to open Edge in Command Prompt without entering InPrivate mode, you can simply use the executable command without the -inprivate argument. Here’s how:
Open Command Prompt and type the following command:
start msedge.exe www.windowsreport.com
This will launch Microsoft Edge normally, without activating InPrivate mode. Adjusting these commands allows you to have fine control over how you wish to browse depending on your current needs.

Conclusion

In summary, starting Edge Incognito using the command line is an easy task that can significantly benefit different types of users, from developers to casual browser users. Whether using Command Prompt or PowerShell, these simple command line entries enable you to quickly access the privacy features that Microsoft Edge offers. If you also utilize other browsers like Firefox, you may find that launching the browser in incognito mode through the command line is just as achievable—our guide on this topic covers those methods in detail as well. Moreover, for users who intend to make the most of their Edge browser experience, we recommend reading our guide on allowing Edge extensions to run in InPrivate mode, ensuring your tools function seamlessly even in a private browsing session. With these tips and tricks at your disposal, you can navigate the internet more securely and efficiently.