Browsers

How to Enable or Disable InPrivate Browsing in Edge

Written by

Richard

Apr 22, 2024 Updated Apr 21, 2026 2 min read

You can enable or disable InPrivate Browsing in Microsoft Edge by modifying the Windows Registry.

InPrivate Browsing is a privacy feature in Edge that prevents the browser from saving your browsing history, cookies, and form data during a session.

This tutorial focuses on changing registry settings to permanently disable or require InPrivate mode for all Edge windows, a change that affects all users on the PC.

Microsoft Edge, built on the Chromium engine, is the default browser in Windows 11.

How to Enable or Disable InPrivate Browsing

Note: You must be signed in with an account that has admin privileges to perform these steps.

Open the Windows Registry editor as an administrator.
Go to the following location in the registry:

💻Code

Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge

Find InPrivateModeAvailability on the right side and double-click it.
Type 1 to turn off InPrivate browsing completely.
Type 2 to force the browser to always open in InPrivate mode.

If you do not see the InPrivateModeAvailability item, right-click in an empty space, create a new DWORD (32-bit) value, and name it InPrivateModeAvailability. Then, set the value to 1 or 2 depending on your preference.

To go back to the normal default settings, simply delete the InPrivateModeAvailability item you created. You may need to restart your computer for these changes to take effect.

Summary

InPrivate Browsing is a great tool for privacy. By using the Windows Registry, you can easily enable, disable, or force this feature to suit your needs. Remember that these steps require administrator access and a quick system restart to finish the process.

What is InPrivate browsing in Microsoft Edge?

InPrivate browsing is a feature in Microsoft Edge that allows users to browse the internet without saving their browsing history, cookies, or site data. This is particularly useful for maintaining privacy on shared computers.

How do I enable InPrivate browsing in Edge?

To enable InPrivate browsing in Edge, you can open the Windows Registry editor and navigate to the specified registry key. You will then need to modify the 'InPrivateModeAvailability' value to enable the feature.

Can I disable InPrivate browsing in Edge?

Yes, you can disable InPrivate browsing in Edge by changing the 'InPrivateModeAvailability' registry value to 1. This will prevent users from accessing the InPrivate browsing feature.

What happens if I delete the InPrivateModeAvailability item?

If you delete the 'InPrivateModeAvailability' item from the registry, Microsoft Edge will revert to its default behavior, allowing users to use InPrivate browsing again. You may need to reboot your computer for the changes to take effect.

Is InPrivate browsing the same as using a VPN?

No, InPrivate browsing is not the same as using a VPN. While InPrivate browsing prevents Edge from saving your browsing data, a VPN encrypts your internet connection and hides your IP address, providing a higher level of privacy online.

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Tags: #Microsoft Edge

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About the Author

Richard

Tech Writer, IT Professional

Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.

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