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How to stop privacy window from opening by default

  • 4 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 162 views
  • Last reply by wnelms

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)

Did you open the first window in Private Browsing?

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

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.

You're the man! Thank you!