Does this shortcut work the same way in every app?

No. The listed contexts include Windows 11, Ubuntu Linux 24.04 LTS, ChromeOS Flex / Stable, Windows 10, Google Chrome, Microsoft Word, Photoshop, Spotify, IntelliJ IDEA, Microsoft Edge, Adobe Acrobat. Check the table for each application and platform: the active window, keyboard layout and application settings determine which command receives the key press. An application being available on an operating system is not evidence that this exact binding works there.

What does Ctrl+Shift+N do?

In Windows 11, Ctrl+Shift+N means: Open a new private/incognito browsing window.

Last verified: 2026-10-10 (latest recorded check on at least one row; rows without their own date remain pending).

Where this shortcut applies

What does Ctrl+Shift+N do?
App	Platform	What it does
Windows 11	Windows	Create a new folder in File Explorer Latest recorded check: 2026-10-04 · Source
Windows 11	Windows	Open a new private/incognito browsing window Verification pending
Ubuntu Linux 24.04 LTS	Linux	Create a new folder in the Files app Verification pending
Ubuntu Linux 24.04 LTS	Linux	Open a new GNOME Terminal window Verification pending
Ubuntu Linux 24.04 LTS	Linux	Create a new folder in the current directory Verification pending
ChromeOS Flex / Stable	ChromeOS	Open a new incognito (private) window Latest recorded check: 2026-10-10 · Source
ChromeOS Flex / Stable	ChromeOS	Open a new Linux Terminal window Verification pending
Windows 10	Windows	Create a new folder in File Explorer Verification pending
Windows 10	Windows	Open a new private/incognito browsing window Verification pending
Google Chrome	Windows, Linux	Open a new private/incognito window Latest recorded check: 2026-10-04 · Source
Google Chrome	Windows, Linux	Open a new private/incognito window Latest recorded check: 2026-10-04 · Source
Microsoft Word	Platform not independently verified	Reset text to Normal paragraph style Verification pending
Photoshop	Platform not independently verified	Create a new empty layer Verification pending
Spotify	Platform not independently verified	Create a new playlist folder Verification pending
IntelliJ IDEA	Platform not independently verified	Open any file by name Verification pending
Microsoft Edge	Platform not independently verified	Open a new InPrivate (private) window Verification pending
Microsoft Edge	Platform not independently verified	Open a new InPrivate (private) window Verification pending
Adobe Acrobat	Platform not independently verified	Enter a page number to jump directly to it Verification pending

Mac equivalent

On Mac, use Cmd+Shift+N in Google Chrome. These are documented equivalents for those specific contexts, not a universal Ctrl-to-Cmd substitution.

Full shortcut pages

Frequently asked questions

What does Ctrl+Shift+N do?: In Windows 11, Ctrl+Shift+N means: Open a new private/incognito browsing window.
Does this shortcut work the same way in every app?: No. The listed contexts include Windows 11, Ubuntu Linux 24.04 LTS, ChromeOS Flex / Stable, Windows 10, Google Chrome, Microsoft Word, Photoshop, Spotify, IntelliJ IDEA, Microsoft Edge, Adobe Acrobat. Check the table for each application and platform: the active window, keyboard layout and application settings determine which command receives the key press. An application being available on an operating system is not evidence that this exact binding works there.
What should I use on a Mac?: On Mac, use Cmd+Shift+N in Google Chrome. These are documented equivalents for those specific contexts, not a universal Ctrl-to-Cmd substitution.