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Can I remove the option of 'New Private Window' entirely from a computer's tool bar so it is not even an option?

  • 6 replies
  • 5 have this problem
  • 7 views
  • Last reply by gmgallegos

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I would like this option fully removed because now it is easy to have two windows open, one as private, one as normal, and one can view inappropriate things more easily by quickly closing the private browsing session so I feel I cannot monitor my kids activities as easily...

I would like this option fully removed because now it is easy to have two windows open, one as private, one as normal, and one can view inappropriate things more easily by quickly closing the private browsing session so I feel I cannot monitor my kids activities as easily...

Chosen solution

You can't modify the menu bar on Mac like can be done on other platforms like Windows and Linux via code in userChrome.css or with an extension like the Menu editor.
On Mac the menu bar is maintained by the Mac OS and thus out of reach for such modifications.

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I'm sorry to say that we can't offer that feature without modifications to the user interface, which is only possible for advanced users. If you feel up to the task of modifying the firefox profile, with some loose instructions, let me know. Otherwise, here is my recommendation: Use parental control software. The last few versions of Windows come with a solution built in, but Norton Family Security is a great, free program. You can set keywords to block, and check on everything that your son/daughter has viewed/used for a time range.

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Chosen Solution

You can't modify the menu bar on Mac like can be done on other platforms like Windows and Linux via code in userChrome.css or with an extension like the Menu editor.
On Mac the menu bar is maintained by the Mac OS and thus out of reach for such modifications.

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Okay, so since I have a Mac, I called Apple on this, as per Cor-el's post. They said they cannot assist with modifying the menu bar that is within Firefox because it is not their product, thus, not their coding or formatting. Taddle1, could you provide those loose instructions, or will it not work because I have a Mac? Thank you!

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Didnt realize that you have a mac. Sadly, cor-el is right. Macs are very limited due to the craziness of their application management. After discussion with a few members of the support team, we think it'd be better advice to tell you to monitor your children's activities using parental control software, or, simply trusting them. The Internet can be a dangerous place, so I can understand you wanting to watch what you son/daughter does, but honestly, you'll be able to tell if they do something they're not supposed to behind your back :)

Look out for quick spontaneous movement of the mouse, that usually indicates that they're doing something which they're not supposed to.


If you really want to get rid of private browsing, consider using parental controls. Nothing gets passed them

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Thank you for the assistance, and the advice :)

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Can someone tell me the steps to disable it for a PC? I don't want it to even show as an option. Thanks.