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Search history suggestions appear in Private Browsing mode

  • 2 svar
  • 0 har dette problem
  • Seneste svar af Dick
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No One Cares.
No One Cares.

Hello,

I have noticed behavior in Firefox that seems inconsistent with my expectations of Private Browsing.

When I open a Private Browsing window and begin typing in the address bar/search bar, Firefox still shows my previously searched queries as suggestions. I am not signed in to any Firefox account, Google account, or other search engine account, so these suggestions appear to be coming from Firefox's locally stored search history.

I understand that Private Browsing prevents new history from being saved. However, I expected Private Browsing to also prevent existing search history from being displayed while using a private window.

Currently, I can disable address bar suggestions entirely, but that removes them from normal browsing as well. What I would like is:

  • Search history suggestions available in normal browsing windows.
  • Search history suggestions hidden in Private Browsing windows.
  • Existing search history not exposed when using Private Browsing.

Is this current behavior intentional? If so, is there a setting, hidden preference, extension, or planned feature that allows Private Browsing windows to suppress history-based search suggestions while preserving them in regular browsing sessions?

For reference:

  • Firefox version: 151.0.2 (64-bit)
  • Operating system: Arch Linux

Thank you.

Hello, I have noticed behavior in Firefox that seems inconsistent with my expectations of Private Browsing. When I open a Private Browsing window and begin typing in the address bar/search bar, Firefox still shows my previously searched queries as suggestions. I am not signed in to any Firefox account, Google account, or other search engine account, so these suggestions appear to be coming from Firefox's locally stored search history. I understand that Private Browsing prevents new history from being saved. However, I expected Private Browsing to also prevent existing search history from being displayed while using a private window. Currently, I can disable address bar suggestions entirely, but that removes them from normal browsing as well. What I would like is: * Search history suggestions available in normal browsing windows. * Search history suggestions hidden in Private Browsing windows. * Existing search history not exposed when using Private Browsing. Is this current behavior intentional? If so, is there a setting, hidden preference, extension, or planned feature that allows Private Browsing windows to suppress history-based search suggestions while preserving them in regular browsing sessions? For reference: * Firefox version: 151.0.2 (64-bit) * Operating system: Arch Linux Thank you.

Alle svar (2)

TyDraniu
TyDraniu
  • Top 10 Contributor

Yes, it's intentional. Your bookmarks, history and passwords are available in the Private mode.

I guess for your workflow it's better to create a new profile with no history.

Dick
Dick

Hi there,

The growth of the internet goes hand in hand with the growth in malicious use of your browsing data. Private browsing is designed to prevent others from using this highly personal data, and prevents tracker cookies that otherwise would enable data miners to create a persona from your data.

As far as I know, private browsing is set up to keep the outside at bay, not keep you from your browsing history. Separating user accounts and their data is the task of the operating system.

Your query “searching without previous knowledge” is therefore something separate. I’m not sure if a temporary exclusion of history data is a feature that is in the works or if it exists already.

Kind regards, Dick

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