How to create a Tails Live USB

ID: 163414

Description: Creating a Tails live USB is a straightforward...

Steps:

  1. Open your web browser and visit the official Tails OS USB Downloads Page, and download the ISO file
  2. You also have the option to download the same file using BitTorrent
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  3. Visit the BalenaEtcher website and download the Etcher software.
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  4. Insert the USB flash drive into an available USB port on your computer and launch Etcher.
  5. In Etcher, click "Flash from file" and select the Tails ISO image you downloaded earlier.
  6. Select the USB flash drive as the target device.
  7. Double-check to ensure you have selected the correct drive, as the process will erase all data on the selected drive.
  8. Click "Flash!" to start the process. Etcher will copy the Tails OS to the USB drive.
  9. Once the flashing process is complete, safely eject the USB drive from your computer.
  10. Etcher should do this automatically, however it is still good practice to check that the drive was ejected properly.
  11. Insert the Tails live USB into the computer you want to use.
  12. Restart the computer and enter the boot menu by pressing the appropriate key during startup (usually F2, F12, or Delete).
  13. Select the USB drive as the boot device from the boot menu.
  14. Tails will start, and you'll be presented with the Tails Greeter screen.
  15. Follow the on-screen instructions to configure language, keyboard, and other settings.
  16. Once completed you will be able to use your computer in a secure and private live environment. Your online activities are routed through the Tor network for anonymity.
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