🐧 Tails OS Guide

Download Tails from the official website tails.net. Verify the download using the built-in verification tool on the website or manually verify the GPG signature. You will need a USB drive with at least 8GB capacity. Use the Tails Installer or Etcher to write the Tails image to your USB drive. The process overwrites all data on the USB — make sure you do not need any existing files on it.

After Tails boots, the Welcome Screen allows you to set your language, keyboard layout, and optional admin password. Setting an admin password enables you to install additional software during the session — leave it blank for maximum security if not needed. Configure Persistent Storage if you need to save files between sessions (Applications → Tails → Persistent Storage). Connect to Wi-Fi or ethernet, and Tails will automatically establish a Tor connection.

By default, Tails erases everything when you shut down. To save files between sessions (like your KeePassXC password database or PGP keys), set up Persistent Storage. In Tails, go to Applications, Tails, Configure Persistent Volume. Choose a strong passphrase — this encrypts the persistent partition. Select which data types to persist (GnuPG keys, network connections, browser bookmarks). Never persist sensitive transaction data.

Never reveal your Tails usage to others — physical security is as important as digital security. When shutting down, Tails overwrites RAM to prevent cold-boot attacks. Use the emergency shutdown feature (remove USB drive while running) if you need to quickly erase all traces. Do not plug Tails USB into untrusted computers that may have hardware keyloggers. Regularly verify your Tails installation integrity by re-downloading and comparing images.