Tor Browser

detailed Tor
Browser Guide

The Tor Browser is the foundation of safe darknet access. This guide covers everything from basic installation to advanced configuration options. Whether you're setting up Tor for the first time or looking to optimize your existing setup, following these steps will help ensure maximum anonymity and security. The Tor network has evolved significantly, and understanding how to configure your browser properly is critical for protecting your privacy online.

What is Tor?

Understanding Tor

🧅 How Tor Works

Tor (The Onion Router) encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through multiple volunteer-operated servers worldwide. Each relay only knows the previous and next hop, not your detailed path.

  • Entry Guard: First relay, knows your IP but not your destination
  • Middle Relay: Passes encrypted traffic, knows nothing
  • Exit Node: Final relay, knows destination but not your IP
  • Your real IP address is hidden from the websites you visit
  • .onion sites never leave the Tor network (end-to-end encrypted)
Installation

Download & Install

📥 Official Download

Always download Tor Browser from the official source: torproject.org

⚠️ important Warning

Never download Tor from unofficial sources, app stores, or third-party websites. Malicious versions exist that compromise your anonymity and steal data.

🪟 Windows

Download the .exe installer and run it. No admin rights needed.

tor-browser-windows-x86_64-portable-XX.exe

🍎 macOS

Download the .dmg file, drag to Applications folder.

tor-browser-macos-XX.dmg

🐧 Linux

Extract the .tar.xz archive and run the start-tor-browser script.

tar -xf tor-browser-linux-x86_64-XX.tar.xz
./start-tor-browser.desktop

📱 Android

Download from Google Play Store or F-Droid.

Search: "Tor Browser" by The Tor Project

💡 Pro Tip: Verify Your Download

Check the PGP signature of your download to ensure it hasn't been tampered with. Instructions available on the Tor Project website.

Configuration

Security Settings

🛡️ Security Levels

Click the shield icon in the toolbar to access security settings. Higher security means fewer features but better protection.

🔴

Standard

All browser features enabled. JavaScript runs everywhere. Only use for regular clearnet browsing.

🟡

Safer

JavaScript disabled on non-HTTPS sites. Some fonts and symbols disabled. Audio/video requires click-to-play.

🟢

Safest Recommended

JavaScript completely disabled. Only basic fonts. Maximum protection for darknet browsing.

⚙️ important Settings

  • Security Level: Set to "Safest" for darknet access
  • Window Size: Don't maximize - keep default size to avoid fingerprinting
  • Downloads: Don't open files automatically while Tor is running
  • Cookies: Keep default settings (cleared on exit)
  • Extensions: Never install any - they can compromise anonymity
Problems?

Troubleshooting

Can't Connect to Tor

Tor is blocked by your ISP or network.

Solution: Use bridges. Go to Settings → Tor → Use a bridge

Very Slow Loading

Normal - Tor routes through multiple relays.

Solution: Request new circuit (Ctrl+Shift+L) or be patient

Site Not Loading

.onion site may be down or link incorrect.

Solution: Try mirror links, check link source is verified

Captcha Loop

Too many requests from your exit node.

Solution: Request new identity (Ctrl+Shift+U) or wait

🚫 What NOT to Do

  • Never use Tor to log into personal accounts (email, banking, social media)
  • Never help JavaScript unless absolutely required
  • Never use VPN + Tor without understanding the implications
  • Never download and open files while Tor is running
  • Never use the same Tor browser for both clearnet and darknet
  • Never resize the browser window to full screen
  • Never install browser extensions or plugins
Censorship Circumvention

Tor Bridges

🌉 What Are Bridges?

Bridges are unlisted Tor relays that help users connect when their ISP or government blocks access to the regular Tor network. They make your Tor usage less detectable and are necessary in restrictive environments.

  • obfs4: The most common and recommended bridge type, makes Tor traffic look like random noise
  • meek-azure: Routes traffic through Microsoft Azure cloud, appears as regular HTTPS traffic
  • Snowflake: Uses volunteer-run proxies, very difficult to block
  • webtunnel: Newer protocol that disguises Tor traffic as regular web browsing

⚙️ How to Configure Bridges

If you cannot connect to Tor directly, follow these steps to configure bridges:

  • Open Tor Browser and go to Settings → Connection
  • Check "Use a bridge" option
  • Select "Select a built-in bridge" for automatic configuration
  • Choose obfs4 (recommended for most users)
  • Click Connect and wait for the connection to establish

💡 Getting Custom Bridges

If built-in bridges are blocked, request custom bridges from bridges.torproject.org or send an email to bridges@torproject.org from a Gmail or Riseup email address.

Advanced

Advanced Configuration

🔧 Torrc Configuration

Advanced users can modify the torrc configuration file for custom settings. This file controls how Tor operates at a network level.

  • ExcludeNodes: Avoid specific countries for relays (e.g., ExcludeNodes {us},{gb})
  • StrictNodes: Enforce node exclusions strictly
  • CircuitBuildTimeout: Adjust how long Tor waits to build circuits
  • NumEntryGuards: Control the number of entry guards used

⚠️ Caution

Modifying torrc incorrectly can reduce your anonymity or break Tor completely. Only make changes if you understand the implications.

🖥️ Enhanced Security with Tails

For maximum security, consider using Tails OS instead of running Tor Browser on your regular operating system. Tails provides several critical advantages:

  • Runs entirely from RAM - leaves no trace on your computer
  • Forces all network traffic through Tor - no accidental leaks
  • Includes PGP, password managers, and other security tools pre-configured
  • Amnesic by design - resets to a clean state on every reboot
  • Can be booted from a USB drive on any computer
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Common Questions

  • Is Tor illegal? No, using Tor is legal in most countries. Tor was developed by the US Naval Research Laboratory and is used by journalists, activists, and privacy-conscious individuals worldwide.
  • Can my ISP see I'm using Tor? Yes, without bridges your ISP can see you're connecting to Tor, but cannot see what you're doing on Tor. Use bridges if this is a concern.
  • Should I use a VPN with Tor? Generally no. Adding a VPN can reduce anonymity and adds a point of failure. The Tor Project recommends against VPN+Tor for most users.
  • Why is Tor so slow? Your traffic passes through at least three relays across the world. This adds latency. The trade-off is necessary for anonymity.
  • Can I be tracked on Tor? While Tor provides strong anonymity, poor operational security (logging into personal accounts, enabling JavaScript carelessly) can still identify you.
  • Is the Tor network monitored? Some exit nodes may be monitored, but .onion sites never leave the Tor network and provide end-to-end encryption.