Launch Google Chrome in ‘Incognito’ mode from a shortcut
Problem
I use Google Chrome’s Incognito window mode regularly to view multiple Google Analytics accounts at the same time on one PC. It’s very useful – it means I don’t have to keep signing in and out of my primary google account – but what annoyed me each time was having to open chrome, then open a new ‘incognito’ window from there, which leaves the old ‘normal’ window open in the background.
Solution
Since Chrome came out of beta, the ‘−−incognito’ command line switch has been available.
So, to get this switch working with a short cut, do the following:
- Copy the existing Chrome shortcut in your quicklaunch bar, desktop, or start menu.
- Rename the shortcut to something obvious, I called mine “Chrome Incognito”.
- Right click on the shortcut, and select ‘properties’.
- The Properties window opens, and you can select the ‘Shortcut’ tab as shown below:
Note the 'Target' path field
- In the ‘Target:’ field, add the switch ‘ −−incognito’ to the end of the target path, as shown below:
incognito 'Switch' added to target path
- Click ‘OK’ to save your changes.
There, all done, that shortcut will now open Chrome in incognito mode window. If you have other normal chrome windows open, they will not be effected by this window. For example, you can stay logged into a google account, a live account, or any other persistent cookie/session driven system. Incognito windows are also great for logging into online banking sites if you’re a bit paranoid.
Note: If you have a 0.* version you will need to upgrade to v1.* or higher.
[...] Yesterday I found out how to run Chrome in ‘Incognito Mode’ from a shortcut. However, now I have two identical ‘Chrome’ Icons in my Quicklaunch bar, and need a way [...]
I notice that in your solution and in your screenshot you are using two hyphens (’–’) for your command line switch. This usually isn’t the case, with application switches requiring only one leading hyphen (i.e. -incognito). It will work fne with two, but just thought you might like to know anyway :)
Hello,
Great job. But not enought info. Where can i read more?
Thanks
Charlie
@Charlie
Hi Charlie, which bit would you like to know more about, maybe I can point you in the right direction?
@HoC. It is actually common practice for abbreviated switches to use a single hyphen (e.g. -c -f) and long-name switches to use two hyphen. This is more prevalent in the Linux/Unix world than Windows at the moment.
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