Using Incognito / InPrivate Browsing

Some Stout applications require a clean browser window to function properly because cached data, saved sessions, or browser extensions can interfere with loading, and using Incognito (Chrome/Firefox) or InPrivate (Edge) browsing creates a temporary session without stored cookies or cached files to ensure the application loads in a fresh environment.

When to Use a Private Browser Window

You may be asked to use Incognito/InPrivate browsing when:

  • An application fails to load properly

  • You are experiencing login issues

  • You are testing access with a different account

  • Support staff request a "clean browser session"

How to Open a Private Browser Window

Note: Stout applications work best when accessed using Google Chrome.

Google Chrome

Windows Keyboard Shortcut

  1. Open Google Chrome.

  2. Press Ctrl + Shift + N.

Mac Keyboard Shortcut

  1. Open Google Chrome.

  2. Press Command (⌘) + Shift + N.

Menu Method

  1. Open Google Chrome.

  2. Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.

  3. Select New Incognito Window.

A new dark-themed browser window will appear indicating you are in Incognito mode.

Mozilla Firefox

Windows Keyboard Shortcut

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox.

  2. Press Ctrl + Shift + P.

Mac Keyboard Shortcut

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox.

  2. Press Command (⌘) + Shift + P.

Menu Method

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox.

  2. Click the three-line menu in the top-right corner.

  3. Select New Private Window.

A new window with a purple mask icon will appear.

Microsoft Edge

Windows Keyboard Shortcut

  1. Open Microsoft Edge.

  2. Press Ctrl + Shift + N.

Mac Keyboard Shortcut

  1. Open Microsoft Edge.

  2. Press Command (⌘) + Shift + N.

Menu Method

  1. Open Microsoft Edge.

  2. Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.

  3. Select New InPrivate Window.

A new window labeled InPrivate will open.

 

Additional Notes

  • Private browsing does not save cookies, browsing history, or site data after the window is closed.

  • You may still need to log in to applications normally.

  • If you are still experiencing issues after using a private browser window, try clearing your browser’s cache and cookies. Instructions for doing this can be found linked below.
  • If problems persist after trying a private browser window, please contact the Stout Technology Helpdesk for further assistance.



Keywords:
incognito inprivate private browsing chrome incognito mode edge inprivate window firefox private window browser private session clean browser session clear session clean window troubleshooting browser troubleshooting login issues cookies cache browser cache browser cookies stout applications stout apps chrome recommended browser chrome incognito troubleshooting application not loading browser session reset private browser window browser support IT troubleshooting browser fix 
Doc ID:
159868
Owned by:
Tenchi X. in UW Stout
KnowledgeBase
Created:
2026-03-12
Updated:
2026-03-12
Sites:
UW Stout