Easy way to open a link in private in window in safari was to right click on the link and press 'option' key and it would allow opening private mode. With the latest OS update you get the option but after clicking the link does not open. What's the work around? Any settings to be changed?
Thanks
MacBook Air 15″, macOS 15.4
Do a simple test. Create a new user account, log in to that account and see if that option works correctly there.
If it works in a new account, then the issue is only with your normal account, and deleting the Safari preferences may help.
To delete Safari preferences:
0) Quit Safari 1) In Finder, press Command-Shift-G and paste ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.safari.plist 2) Drag the file to the trash (but don't empty it) 3) Log out and back in
Notes:
Tried Safe Mode too - no change.
Also, I forgot to mention earlier... The "Open Link in New Window" works perfectly. It's only the private window one that doesn't work.
I'm in the same situation as the original poster - ie. the "Open Link in New Private Window" operates as "Open New Private Window" (without opening the link)
I can confirm that when creating a new user account, everything works fine, so it must be something user related. However, it doesn't appear that com.apple.safari.plist is used anymore - it has next to nothing in it and it doesn't appear to be accessed when Safari starts up. Deleting it has no noticeable effect on anything (including preferences).
On a lark, I made a local snapshot then deleted every Safari file & directory under ~/Library then logged out and back in. This wiped out a lot of Safari preferences (except for iCloud Safari shared settings/history etc.) However, the "Open Link in New Private Window" still failed to work. After experimenting for a while and not having any success, I restored from the local snapshot to get things back to normal.
I'm stumped as to what file or setting is causing this bug.
It used to be simple - preferences were in the respective plist file, in the Preferences folder.
One other thing: try in your account, while booted in Safe Mode.
If it works correctly in Safe Mode, then it is some interference from third party software modifications and not a problem with Safari or its settings.
It seems to be working here, just as before.
Not for me. No idea how to fix it or which setting to tinker with!!!
I am having the same issue and it is very irritating.
Yes. Very inconvenient. Probably something is broken with the latest update 'cause I did not change any settings. Always thought Mac was better!!!
Opening links in private window in Safari
