The download link points to the program’s official source; the file is not hosted on this site. Link address: tails.net
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Tails is a free, open-source portable operating system that runs from a USB stick and connects to the internet through Tor. It needs an 8 GB USB stick, a 64-bit x86-64 computer and about 3 GB of RAM; Macs with Apple processors are not supported.
Tails is a complete operating system you carry on a USB stick. You start a computer from it, use it, shut it down, and the computer’s own system is untouched. Internet traffic goes through the Tor network, and by default nothing is kept between sessions.
Who is it for?
Journalists, activists, people facing surveillance, and anyone who needs to use a borrowed or shared computer privately. It is not a replacement for your everyday desktop.
Requirements
- A USB stick of at least 8 GB (it will be erased).
- A 64-bit x86-64 IBM PC compatible processor.
- About 3 GB of RAM to work smoothly.
Tails does not run on Macs with Apple processors (M1, M2 and later), on ARM or PowerPC processors, on smartphones, tablets or Raspberry Pi.
Download and verify
The official install page has separate guides for Windows, macOS and Linux, plus options for installing from the Debian or Ubuntu command line, cloning from another Tails stick, or running Tails in a virtual machine. The download page can verify your file in the browser: select the downloaded image and it confirms whether it matches the latest release. Without JavaScript, you can compare the published checksums with a hashing tool instead.
Keep a few things in mind
Follow the official guide for your system step by step; it tells you which tool to use to write the USB image. Optional Persistent Storage lets you keep selected files and settings, encrypted, on the stick. Keep Tails up to date, since security fixes arrive regularly. For security testing rather than privacy, Kali Linux is the specialized choice.
Pros
- Leaves no trace on the host computer by default
- All connections go through Tor
- In-browser download verification
Cons
- Does not run on Apple Silicon or ARM
- Tor makes browsing slower
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Tails work on an Apple Silicon Mac?
No. The Tails documentation lists Mac computers with an Apple processor (M1, M2 and so on) as unsupported.
What size USB stick do I need for Tails?
At least 8 GB. Installing Tails erases all data on the stick.
TailsOpen source
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