You get Tor Browser for Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux[1]. Supported systems: Windows 10/11, macOS 10.15 or later, and 64-bit Linux on x86-64 or Arm64[1][2]. Current stable desktop release is Tor Browser 16.0[3]. First, download it from the official Tor Project site at https://download.torproject.org/ and verify the signature before installing[1][4].
Installation Methods and Requirements
| Method / Platform | Cost | System Requirements | Installation Time | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windows (official installer) | Free | Windows 10 or 11 (32-bit or 64-bit) [1]; accurate system date and time [5]; path without non-ASCII characters [5] | 5–10 minutes (download + install) | Windows 8.1 and lower no longer supported (stuck on Tor Browser 13.5) [2] |
| macOS (official installer) | Free | macOS 10.15 (Catalina) or later [1]; accurate system date and time [5] | 5–10 minutes (download + install) | macOS 10.14 and lower no longer supported (stuck on Tor Browser 13.5) [2] |
| Linux (official tarball) | Free | x86-64 or Arm64/AArch64 architecture [1]; any modern Linux distribution [1]; accurate system date and time [5] | 5–10 minutes (download + extract + verify) | 32-bit Linux (i686) no longer supported from Tor Browser 16 onwards [2] |
| Debian/Ubuntu (torbrowser-launcher package) | Free | Debian 11 or later (or Debian Sid) [6]; Ubuntu (version unspecified) [7]; x86-64 or Arm64/AArch64 [1] | 10–15 minutes (package install + automatic Tor Browser download) | Automatically downloads latest version [7]; requires package manager access; 32-bit systems unsupported [2] |
| Kali Linux (apt install) | Free | Kali Linux (version unspecified) [8]; x86-64 or Arm64/AArch64 [1] | 10–15 minutes (update + install) | Installs both 'tor' and 'torbrowser-launcher' by default [8]; can skip system Tor with --no-install-recommends [9] |
| Fedora (torbrowser-launcher package) | Free | Fedora (version unspecified) [7]; x86-64 or Arm64/AArch64 [1] | 10–15 minutes (package install + automatic download) | Includes AppArmor profiles [7]; automatically verifies cryptographic signature [7] |
| Android | Free | Android (version unspecified) [1]; Mozilla supports very old Android versions [10] | Clarify on official Tor Project site | Tor Browser 15.0 based on Firefox 140 [10]; older Android versions may introduce security challenges [10] |
How to Get Tor Browser
Check your operating system first
Tor Browser runs on Windows 10 and 11 (both 32-bit and 64-bit), macOS 10.15 Catalina or later, and any modern 64-bit Linux distribution[1]. Windows 8.1 or lower and macOS 10.14 or lower stopped receiving updates with Tor Browser 14, so users on those systems stay on version 13.5[2]. 32-bit Linux support ended with Tor Browser 16, so you need a 64-bit system there[2]. If your computer is older than these versions, you will not get the current release.
Download from the official site only
The simplest and safest source is the Tor Project's download page at https://download.torproject.org/[4]. The current stable desktop release is Tor Browser 16.0, with separate files for Windows, macOS Universal, and GNU/Linux x86_64 and aarch64[3]. Avoid third-party download sites, because they can bundle modified or outdated copies. You will also see a signature file next to each download, which you can use to verify the file before installing[1].
Verify the downloaded file
The Tor Project recommends checking the file's signature before installation on Windows, macOS, and Linux[1]. On Linux, the command-line method is to run 'tar -xf [TB archive]' and then launch './start-tor-browser.desktop'[1]. This step confirms that the file came from the Tor Project and was not altered in transit. If you skip verification, you still get a working browser, but you lose protection against a tampered download.
Install on Linux with the launcher package
On Debian 11 or later, Ubuntu, and Fedora, you can install the 'torbrowser-launcher' package, which adds 'Tor Browser' and 'Tor Browser Launcher Settings' to your desktop menu[6][7]. The launcher automatically downloads the most recent Tor Browser version, verifies its cryptographic signature, and includes AppArmor profiles to limit damage from a compromise[7]. On Kali Linux, run 'sudo apt update' then 'sudo apt install -y tor torbrowser-launcher'[8]. The 'tor' package is only recommended, not required, because Tor Browser bundles its own tor daemon, so you can use 'sudo apt install -y --no-install-recommends torbrowser-launcher'[9].
Fix the 'Tor exited during startup' error
A common cause of this error is non-ASCII characters in your Windows username, which makes the path to tor.exe look like C:\Users\UserNameWithCyrillic\Desktop\TorBrowser[5]. The recommended fix is to move Tor Browser to a directory such as C:\ where you have full access[5]. The Tor Project also suggests checking that your system date and time are accurate, disabling any VPN, and temporarily turning off antivirus software before relaunching[5]. If the error persists after these steps, the problem is likely elsewhere.
Launch and confirm it works
After installation, open Tor Browser from your desktop menu or the extracted folder. The browser will connect to the Tor network automatically, and you should see a confirmation screen or a purple onion icon. You can verify the connection by visiting a site like check.torproject.org, which tells you whether you are using Tor. If the page says you are not using Tor, close the browser and check your system clock, VPN, or antivirus settings again[5].
Risks, Limitations, and Guarantees
Tor Browser does not guarantee anonymity or protection from all threats. The software routes your traffic through the Tor network, but it cannot protect you if you reveal identifying information yourself, if your operating system is compromised, or if a website exploits a browser vulnerability. The Tor Project documents the software and its design, not a promise that you will remain anonymous in every scenario.
Older operating systems receive no updates. Windows 8.1 or lower and macOS 10.14 or lower stopped receiving updates with Tor Browser 14, so users on those systems remain on version 13.5[2]. 32-bit Linux support ended with Tor Browser 16, and the Tor Project strongly advises installing on a 64-bit system[2]. If you run an unsupported version, you miss security patches and new features, and you cannot upgrade without changing your operating system first.
Installation can fail if your system clock is wrong, if your username contains non-ASCII characters, or if antivirus software blocks the tor.exe process. A common cause of the 'Tor exited during startup' error on Windows is a path like C:\Users\UserNameWithCyrillic\Desktop\TorBrowser, and the recommended fix is to move Tor Browser to C:\ or another directory you control[5]. The Tor Project also recommends checking that your system date and time are accurate, disabling any VPN, and temporarily disabling antivirus before relaunching[5].
You can uninstall Tor Browser by deleting the folder on Windows, macOS, or Linux, or by removing the 'torbrowser-launcher' package on Debian, Ubuntu, or Fedora. No registry entries or system files remain after deletion on desktop platforms.
Common questions
Is accessing Tor Browser illegal?
None of the provided sources state that accessing Tor Browser is illegal; they describe it as software available for Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux[1]. The Tor Project distributes it officially, but legality depends on local laws and how you use the network, which is not covered by these installation documents.
How to access Tor without downloading?
The provided facts do not describe a way to access Tor without downloading Tor Browser. All documented methods involve downloading the browser from the official site or installing the torbrowser-launcher package, which itself downloads the browser[4][7].
What is the best dark web Browser?
The provided sources only document Tor Browser, which is available for Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux[1]. They do not compare it with other dark web browsers, so no 'best' can be determined from these facts.
How to install Tor Browser on Windows 10?
Download the Windows installer from https://download.torproject.org/ and verify its signature[1][4]. Run the installer; Windows 10 is supported in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions[1]. If you see 'Tor exited during startup', move the folder to C:\ and check your system date and time[5].
How to install Tor Browser on Ubuntu using terminal?
Open a terminal and run 'sudo apt install -y --no-install-recommends torbrowser-launcher'[9]. The launcher automatically downloads the latest Tor Browser, verifies its signature, and adds a desktop entry[7]. Ubuntu is listed as a distribution that includes this package, though the specific Ubuntu version is not stated in the provided facts[7].
Explore More About the Dark Web
Dive into our resources to enhance your knowledge.
Visit More ArticlesWorks cited
- 1
- Installing - Getting started - Tor Browser — Tor Project
- 2
- Tor Browser legacy OS support - Security - Tor Browser — Tor Project
- 3
- Tor Browser for Desktop — Tor Project
- 4
- Downloading - Getting started - Tor Browser — Tor Project
- 5
- Tor Exiting during Startup - HELP — Tor Project Forum
- 6
- TorBrowser — Debian Wiki
- 7
- torbrowser-launcher README — torproject GitHub
- 8
- Installing Tor Browser on Kali Linux — Kali Linux Documentation
- 9
- Install Tor Browser on Ubuntu / Linux Mint / Debian [Guide] — Computing for Geeks
- 10
- New Release: Tor Browser 15.0 — The Tor Project
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Accessing the Dark Web: A Complete GuideLearn how to safely access the dark web using Tor, ensuring your privacy and security while navigating hidden online spaces.