Tails

Tails is a portable operating system built on top of a modern version of Linux that allows users of all knowledge levels to preserve their privacy and anonymity on any computer or when browsing the web.

Designed from the ground up to circumvent surveillance, censorship, advertising, and viruses, Tails OS for Windows manages to offer everyone access to a safe working environment on any kind of modern PC.

Users of this free OS are provided with not only easy access to a wide array of not only OS-level security features but also a versatile digital security toolbox that is filled with useful applications for managing secure documents, private online communication, and more.

Once booted in a live system, users are free to manage their data and internet communication freely, and once they are done, they can remove the portable Tails drive from the PC and remove all traces of their work.

Download and install Tails

For USB sticks (USB image)

The core functionality of Tails is delivered via a few smart decisions made by its developers. The OS can be booted only via external portable drives, with no actual data touching the local storage on those PCs (except if users permit that).

All communication with the outside world is done via encrypted methods, which even include the use of an anonymized Tor internet network that hides the origin location and routing data when traversing the online infrastructure.

Finally, all the OS services and preinstalled applications are pre-configured to be as safe to use as possible.

Tails rely on state-of-the-art cryptographic tools to encrypt all outgoing and incoming files, instant messaging, and emails. It features a built-in web browser, office suite, image and sound editor, instant messaging client, and other apps that are all optimized for security and privacy.

Since today both local PCs, every internet gateways, and website retain the wealth of information of users activity, operating systems like Tails operating system has become a necessity for a wide array of computer users who want to remain anonymous, protect their data and their information sources.

Over the last decade, It has become a staple of the security community, often being used by activists, journalists, sources of journalists who want to share sensitive data, domestic violence survivors, and anyone else who strives to get extensive privacy in a digital world where every move of every user is closely monitored.

Tails is 100% FREE and can be used on any modern desktop PC and laptop that can detect and boot from external storage accessories such as USB disks, SD cards, and burned DVDs.

How to Use

• Create a bootable USB using Tails Installer, Rufus or balenaEtcher
• Restart your PC and boot from the USB drive
• Follow the on-screen setup instructions
• Configure security settings and connect to the internet
• Use pre-installed privacy tools like Tor Browser
• Save session data using the Persistent Storage feature
• Shut down and remove USB to exit Tails OS

System Requirements

• 64-bit processor (x86-64)
• Minimum 2 GB RAM (4 GB recommended)
• USB flash drive (8 GB or larger)
• Secure boot disabled or allowed for live USB
• Internet connection for updates and Tor network

PROS

• Strong privacy and anonymity
• Pre-configured security tools
• No data left on the system
• Easy to use live USB mode
• Open-source and community-driven

CONS

• Limited hardware compatibility
• No permanent OS installation
• Slower performance on older PCs
• Requires a USB drive to run
• Learning curve for new users