Opening an incognito tab in Opera GX takes one click or keyboard shortcut

Opera GX calls its private browsing mode GX Control, and you can open a new incognito tab three ways: use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Shift+N (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+N (Mac), click the menu button and select "New private window," or right-click a link and choose "Open link in new private window." The tab will display a dark theme with a lock icon to show you are browsing privately.

When you close an incognito tab, Opera GX does not save your browsing history, cookies, cached files, or login information from that session. This is useful if you are shopping for gifts on a shared computer, logging into multiple accounts, or browsing without tracking. The rest of your Opera GX browser continues to work normally — your regular tabs, bookmarks, and settings remain unchanged.

Key Takeaways

  • Press Ctrl+Shift+N on Windows or Cmd+Shift+N on Mac to open a new incognito tab instantly.
  • Incognito tabs in Opera GX do not save history, cookies, or login data once you close them.
  • You can open incognito tabs alongside regular tabs in the same browser window.
  • Right-clicking any link lets you open it directly in an incognito tab without opening a new window first.

Using the keyboard shortcut

The fastest way to open an incognito tab is the keyboard shortcut. On Windows, press Ctrl+Shift+N. On Mac, press Cmd+Shift+N. A new tab will open immediately with the incognito mode active — you will see a lock icon and darker styling to confirm you are in private browsing mode.

This shortcut works from anywhere in Opera GX, whether you are on a webpage, in a new tab, or in the address bar. You can open as many incognito tabs as you need, and they all work independently of each other and your regular tabs.

Opening incognito through the menu

If you prefer using the menu, click the three horizontal lines (hamburger menu) in the top right corner of Opera GX. Scroll down and select "New private window." This opens a completely separate window in incognito mode, rather than a tab within your current window.

A private window is useful if you want to keep incognito browsing completely separate from your regular tabs. You can switch between your normal Opera GX window and the private window just like you would switch between any other open programs on your computer.

Right-clicking to open links privately

You can also open a specific link in an incognito tab without opening a new window first. Right-click any link on a webpage and select "Open link in new private tab." The link will load in a new incognito tab within your current window, and you stay on the page you were viewing.

This method is handy when you are reading an article and want to follow a link privately without leaving your current page. It saves a step compared to opening a new incognito tab and then typing or searching for the link yourself.

What Opera GX does not save in incognito mode

When you close an incognito tab, Opera GX permanently deletes everything from that session. This includes your browsing history, cookies (which websites use to remember you), cached images and files, and any login information you entered. Passwords you save to Opera GX during incognito browsing are also not stored.

However, files you download in incognito mode do stay on your computer — incognito mode does not delete downloads. Additionally, bookmarks you create in an incognito tab are saved to your regular bookmarks, since they are intentional actions you want to keep.

Mixing incognito and regular tabs

You can have incognito tabs and regular tabs open at the same time in Opera GX. The incognito tabs will have a lock icon next to their name in the tab bar, making them easy to spot. Switching between them works exactly like switching between any other tabs — just click the tab you want to view.

Your regular tabs continue to save history and cookies normally, even when you have incognito tabs open. Closing an incognito tab does not affect your regular tabs or your browsing data from them. This lets you use both modes for different purposes in the same browsing session.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does incognito mode hide my activity from my internet provider?

No. Incognito mode only hides your activity from the websites you visit and from Opera GX itself. Your internet service provider can still see which websites you visit. If you need to hide your activity from your ISP, you would need to use a VPN (virtual private network) in addition to incognito mode.

Can websites tell I am using incognito mode?

Some websites can detect incognito mode, though most cannot. Websites cannot see your browsing history or cookies from previous sessions, but they can see that you are visiting them right now. Incognito mode prevents tracking across sessions, not within a single session.

Will my employer see my incognito browsing on a work computer?

Possibly. Incognito mode hides your activity from Opera GX and the websites you visit, but network administrators on a work computer can still see which sites you access through network logs. Check your workplace's acceptable use policy before browsing on a work device.

What happens if I bookmark something in an incognito tab?

Bookmarks created in incognito mode are saved permanently to your regular bookmarks. Only your browsing history, cookies, and cached files are deleted when you close the incognito tab. If you do not want a bookmark saved, do not create it in the first place.