Educational reference · 2026 edition · Updated
Tor Browser: How to Install, Configure & Browse Safely
Tor Browser is a free, open-source web browser based on Firefox that routes your traffic through the Tor network to anonymise your location and usage. This guide explains how to install it, what it does and does not protect against, and essential safety practices — with sources, no .onion links, and no instructions for illegal activity.
What is Tor Browser?
Tor Browser is a modified version of Firefox that routes all traffic through the Tor network — a series of volunteer-operated relays that encrypt and bounce your connection through three nodes (guard, middle, exit) before reaching the destination. This makes it difficult for websites to identify your real IP address and for your local network to see which sites you visit.
Tor Browser is developed by the Tor Project, a non-profit organisation. It is used by journalists, activists, researchers, law enforcement and ordinary privacy-conscious people around the world.
How to install Tor Browser
- Download only from the official source: torproject.org. Never download Tor Browser from third-party mirrors or unofficial websites — they may contain malware.
- Verify the signature: The Tor Project provides cryptographic signatures for each release. Verifying the signature confirms the download has not been tampered with.
- Install normally: Follow the installer for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux or Android).
- Launch and connect: Open Tor Browser and click "Connect." The browser will establish a circuit through the Tor network.
What Tor Browser protects against — and what it doesn't
| Protected against | Not protected against |
|---|---|
| Your ISP seeing which websites you visit | Malware downloaded and executed on your device |
| Websites seeing your real IP address | Voluntarily sharing personal information (name, email, accounts) |
| Local network observers seeing your browsing destinations | Browser fingerprinting if you change settings or install extensions |
| Simple traffic correlation by a single observer | Global adversary monitoring both entry and exit traffic simultaneously |
Essential safety practices
- Do not install extra extensions: Additional add-ons can break Tor's anonymity protections and create a unique browser fingerprint.
- Do not maximise the window: Window size can be used for fingerprinting. Use the default size.
- Do not log into personal accounts: Logging into Google, Facebook or other personal accounts links your real identity to your Tor session.
- Be careful with downloads: Files downloaded through Tor can reveal your real IP if opened outside the browser.
- Use HTTPS where available: Tor exit nodes can observe unencrypted traffic. HTTPS protects the content of your connection to the destination site.
Tor Browser vs other privacy tools
| Tool | Best for | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Tor Browser | Anonymity, resisting censorship, accessing .onion services | Slower than normal browsing, some sites block Tor exit nodes |
| VPN | Hiding IP from ISP, accessing geo-restricted content | VPN provider can see your traffic; does not provide anonymity like Tor |
| Tor + VPN | Additional layer, hiding Tor use from ISP | Complex to configure correctly; can reduce anonymity if misconfigured |
Frequently asked questions
Is Tor Browser legal?
Can I access the darknet with Tor Browser?
Is Tor Browser the same as a VPN?
Does Tor Browser make me completely anonymous?
Related reading
Tor & Onion Routing
How three-hop onion routing anonymises traffic through the Tor network.
TechnologyHidden Services (.onion)
What .onion addresses are, how rendezvous points work, and who uses them legitimately.
SafetyDarknet Safety & Security
Scams, phishing, exit scams and operational security best practices.
StructureSurface Web, Deep Web & Darknet
The layers of the Internet and how they connect.