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Why is it that on private the download window opens up in a different way than the regular way?

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When browsing on private mode the download window opens up a new tab, personally I don't like it, but that's actually not the point right now. I'm just trying to understand why is it different then the regular way, which is openning a separate window (library I think) which has the option to clear all downloads at top right corner.

When browsing on private mode the download window opens up a new tab, personally I don't like it, but that's actually not the point right now. I'm just trying to understand why is it different then the regular way, which is openning a separate window (library I think) which has the option to clear all downloads at top right corner.

All Replies (9)

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screenshot of both to compare?

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I see this:

I think the idea was to show a list specific to your private session, because private session downloads are not included in the list in the Library window.

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In private browsing you get the about:downloads page and not the Library when you use "Show All Downloads". This page works in regular mode and in Private Browsing mode unlike the Library that only shows downloads in regular mode. This is because downloads are special history items (i.e. they have a download annotation) and in PB mode no history is kept (all data in kept in memory), so PB mode downloads aren't included in the history.

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WestEnd said

screenshot of both to compare?

there you go

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cor-el said

In private browsing you get the about:downloads page and not the Library when you use "Show All Downloads". This page works in regular mode and in Private Browsing mode unlike the Library that only shows downloads in regular mode. This is because downloads are special history items (i.e. they have a download annotation) and in PB mode no history is kept (all data in kept in memory), so PB mode downloads aren't included in the history.

yes that's true but you can go around this. If you click on history than "show all history" you enter the library than you can click on downloads on your left. So why not open the library from the start?? Or maybe there should be a way change that, to make it possible to set library window to open when you click "show all downloads". I really don't like about:downloads. Anyway, thanks for the explanation. It makes sense.

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jscher2000 said

I see this: I think the idea was to show a list specific to your private session, because private session downloads are not included in the list in the Library window.

Actually, they are included in the list in the library window, you can just go through the history or bookmarks and if you click downloads, there they are.

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wallywizard said

jscher2000 said
I see this: I think the idea was to show a list specific to your private session, because private session downloads are not included in the list in the Library window.

Actually, they are included in the list in the library window, you can just go through the history or bookmarks and if you click downloads, there they are.

Downloads that you make in a private window definitely should NOT appear either in history or your regular downloads list in the Library. Are you just using the built-in downloading feature or do you have an add-on that could be crossing over the private/regular line?

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jscher2000 said

wallywizard said
jscher2000 said
I see this: I think the idea was to show a list specific to your private session, because private session downloads are not included in the list in the Library window.

Actually, they are included in the list in the library window, you can just go through the history or bookmarks and if you click downloads, there they are.

Downloads that you make in a private window definitely should NOT appear either in history or your regular downloads list in the Library. Are you just using the built-in downloading feature or do you have an add-on that could be crossing over the private/regular line?

Just the built-in feature. That's alright I was just curious anyway. I posted some screenshots a few lines above if you're interested. Thank you.

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I see what you're saying. If you open the Library from a regular window, it shows regular history and regular downloads. If you open the Library from a private window, it shows regular history and private downloads. That is a very illogical inconsistency, and I can't help thinking that is an error that needs to be fixed.