Using Chrome’s incognito mode allows you to browse the web privately without leaving behind tracks like browsing history, cookies, or cached files after you close the window. This is great when you want to visit sites or open pages that you don’t want others who use your device to easily find at a later time.
However, during an incognito browsing session, it’s easy to end up accumulating several tabs open as you jump between different sites. Closing each tab individually can be a hassle. The good news is you can instantly close all incognito mode tabs with one handy keyboard shortcut.
Opening an Incognito Window
To access incognito mode, click the three-dot menu icon in the top right corner of the Chrome browser. Select “New incognito window” from the dropdown menu. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + N on Windows/Linux or Command + Shift + N on Mac.
This will open a new window with an incognito indicator, usually black or grey rather than Chrome’s usual theme. Any tabs you open here will not be saved in your browsing history outside of incognito mode.
Closing All Tabs with a Keyboard Shortcut
Once you have multiple incognito tabs open, here is how to close them all at once:
– On Windows/Linux: Press Ctrl + Shift + W
– On Mac: Press Command + Shift + W
This handy shortcut will instantly close all open incognito tabs, while keeping the incognito browsing mode active in that window.
Additional Tips
– To reopen the last incognito window with all the same tabs, press Ctrl + Shift + T (Windows/Linux) or Command + Shift + T (Mac).
– Consider disabling extensions in incognito mode for increased privacy, as some may still be able to access your activity.
– When you close all incognito tabs, cookies and site data used just during that session are deleted and no longer available.
With this simple trick, you can quickly close all your private incognito browsing tabs in one step. Now you can keep your incognito browsing lean and stealthy.