Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

How do I configure the desktop or taskbar icon/link to Firefox so Firefox version 42 or newer will always open in a "new private window"?

  • 2 replies
  • 3 have this problem
  • 109 views
  • Last reply by cor-el

more options

I use Linux on my Acer Laptop. I want to use Mozilla Firefox version 42.0 or newer in "New Private Window Mode" always. When I click the Firefox icon on my desktop or taskbar, I want Firefox to open in "New Private Window" always; no exceptions. When I click the tab button or a link, all new pages should open in "Private Window" mode always. Additionally, I want to know I am in a Private window with the Privacy mask showing. Your help or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you, Exza.

I use Linux on my Acer Laptop. I want to use Mozilla Firefox version 42.0 or newer in "New Private Window Mode" always. When I click the Firefox icon on my desktop or taskbar, I want Firefox to open in "New Private Window" always; no exceptions. When I click the tab button or a link, all new pages should open in "Private Window" mode always. Additionally, I want to know I am in a Private window with the Privacy mask showing. Your help or suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Exza.

Chosen solution

hi Exza, assuming that you would like to get more out of tracking protection, there are a few options:

  • you can customize your firefox shortcut on the desktop or taskbar to open firefox directly into private browsing mode: right-click the "mozilla firefox" shortcut, go to properties and at the end of the target-line which should hold the path to the firefox program folder add " -private"
  • you could enable tracking protection not only during private browsing but in normal windows as well trough a "hidden" preference: enter about:config into the firefox address bar (confirm the info message in case it shows up) & search for the preference named privacy.trackingprotection.enabled. double-click it and change its value to true.
  • you can set firefox to never remember history in the menu > options > privacy panel in order to always run it in private browsing mode. however you won't be able to open any normal windows or save any history and passwords if you have set this mode: Settings for privacy, browsing history and do-not-track
Read this answer in context 👍 1

All Replies (2)

more options

Chosen Solution

hi Exza, assuming that you would like to get more out of tracking protection, there are a few options:

  • you can customize your firefox shortcut on the desktop or taskbar to open firefox directly into private browsing mode: right-click the "mozilla firefox" shortcut, go to properties and at the end of the target-line which should hold the path to the firefox program folder add " -private"
  • you could enable tracking protection not only during private browsing but in normal windows as well trough a "hidden" preference: enter about:config into the firefox address bar (confirm the info message in case it shows up) & search for the preference named privacy.trackingprotection.enabled. double-click it and change its value to true.
  • you can set firefox to never remember history in the menu > options > privacy panel in order to always run it in private browsing mode. however you won't be able to open any normal windows or save any history and passwords if you have set this mode: Settings for privacy, browsing history and do-not-track
more options

You can use an extension to get Private Browsing mode support per tab.