How to Configure Tails OS Browser as Your Default Browser with Tor

Tails OS Browser, part of the Tails (The Amnesic Incognito Live System) operating system, is a secure, Tor-integrated browser designed to keep your activity private and anonymous. Since Tails routes all traffic through the Tor network, it’s a top choice for users needing robust privacy protection. Although Tails OS cannot be set as your default on a standard OS, you can make it your go-to environment for private browsing.

Why Use Tails OS Browser with Tor as Your Default Browser?

The Tails OS Browser runs within a live environment, meaning no data is saved on your machine after shutdown. All browsing activity is routed through Tor, ensuring that every site you visit, every link you click, and all traffic is secure and anonymous. By treating Tails OS as your primary browser, you gain a high level of privacy for all browsing activities without the risk of leaving any trace.

Step-by-Step Guide to Set Up Tails OS Browser for Primary Use with Tor

Since Tails OS is an entire operating system, you’ll need a USB drive to boot it as a live OS. Download Tails from the official Tails website and follow these steps to set it up as your primary environment for Tor browsing.

Step 1: Set Up Tails OS on a USB Drive

  • Download Tails: Go to the Tails website and download the latest version.
  • Install on a USB Drive: Follow the installation instructions to create a live Tails USB drive.
  • Boot Tails from USB: Insert the USB drive and restart your computer. Select your boot menu (usually accessed by pressing a key like F12 or ESC during startup) and choose to boot from the USB.

Note: Make sure to save your Tails OS USB in a secure place, as it your secure browsing environment

Step 2: Access Tails OS Browser (Tor Browser) for Secure Browsing

  • Open the Tor Browser in Tails: Tails comes with a pre-installed Tor Browser, configured to route all traffic through Tor automatically.
  • Browse Anonymously: Start using Tor Browser within Tails for secure and anonymous browsing. Since Tails is a live OS, no activity will be saved after shutdown.

With Orbot running, Orfox will be able to route all internet activity through Tor’s secure, anonymous network.

How to Treat Tails OS as Your Default Browser

Since Tails OS cannot be set as a “default” browser within your main OS, the best way to treat it as your primary browser is to boot into Tails OS whenever you need secure browsing.

  • Open Links within Tails: If you receive links in email or messages on your main OS, copy and paste them into Tor Browser in Tails.
  • Browse Exclusively in Tails: For full privacy, access sensitive sites, and perform secure activities only within the Tails environment to ensure that all activity goes through Tor.

Tip: To prevent any accidental data leaks, avoid using your main OS while browsing with Tails OS.

Testing Tails OS Browser for Tor Connection

To confirm that your connection is secure within Tails OS:

  • Visit Tor’s Test Page: Open Tor Browser in Tails OS and go to check.torproject.org.
  • Verify Tor Connection: The test page will confirm if you’re successfully connected to the Tor network, ensuring that your activity is protected.

Important Tips for Using Tails OS Browser as Your Default

Using Tails OS Browser ensures maximum privacy, but here are some key points to keep in mind:

  • Ephemeral Environment: Tails OS is designed to leave no trace. When you shut it down, all session data is erased.
  • Complete Tor Routing: Unlike other setups, Tails routes all network traffic through Tor, providing more comprehensive protection.
  • Cross-Platform Use: Tails works on most devices with a USB port, making it easy to use on various machines.

Setting Tails OS Browser as your primary browser means committing to an ultra-private setup, where all your browsing activities are routed through Tor within an isolated environment.

Can't settle on a browser for Tor yet? Here's another contender. How to Configure Ungoogled Chromium as Your Default Browser with Tor.