Join the AMA (Ask Me Anything) with the Firefox leadership team to celebrate Firefox 20th anniversary and discuss Firefox’s future on Mozilla Connect. Mark your calendar on Thursday, November 14, 18:00 - 20:00 UTC!

Avatar for Username

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

This thread was archived. Please ask a new question if you need help.

How to stop privacy window from opening by default

  • 4 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 1 view
  • Last reply by wnelms

wnelms
wnelms
more options

I am curious as to why every tab that is opened is a Private tab? I use this for work and the firewall does not like it at all and I can not find out how to swap it back to normal windows.

I am curious as to why every tab that is opened is a Private tab? I use this for work and the firewall does not like it at all and I can not find out how to swap it back to normal windows.

Chosen solution

If your Firefox opens all windows in private browsing -- no history is retained -- you can change that on the Options/Preferences page --

  • Windows: "3-bar" menu button (or Tools menu) > Options
  • Mac: "3-bar" menu button (or Firefox menu) > Preferences
  • Linux: "3-bar" menu button (or Edit menu) > Preferences
  • Any system: type or paste about:preferences into the address bar and press Enter/Return to load it

In the left column, click Privacy & Security, then scroll down to the History section. Either of these will invoke automatic private browsing:

  • Firefox will: Never remember history
  • Firefox will: Use custom settings for history + "Always use private browsing mode"

Either change to:

  • Firefox will: Remember history
  • Firefox will: Use custom settings for history and UNCHECK "Always use private browsing mode"

Firefox will need to restart after that change.

Read this answer in context 👍 0

All Replies (4)

FredMcD
FredMcD
more options

Did you open the first window in Private Browsing?

wnelms
wnelms Question owner
more options

I did not, it opens as soon as i open the browser and every tab after that.

jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
  • Top 25 Contributor
more options

Chosen Solution

If your Firefox opens all windows in private browsing -- no history is retained -- you can change that on the Options/Preferences page --

  • Windows: "3-bar" menu button (or Tools menu) > Options
  • Mac: "3-bar" menu button (or Firefox menu) > Preferences
  • Linux: "3-bar" menu button (or Edit menu) > Preferences
  • Any system: type or paste about:preferences into the address bar and press Enter/Return to load it

In the left column, click Privacy & Security, then scroll down to the History section. Either of these will invoke automatic private browsing:

  • Firefox will: Never remember history
  • Firefox will: Use custom settings for history + "Always use private browsing mode"

Either change to:

  • Firefox will: Remember history
  • Firefox will: Use custom settings for history and UNCHECK "Always use private browsing mode"

Firefox will need to restart after that change.

wnelms
wnelms Question owner
more options

You're the man! Thank you!