how to make tails os bootable usb

3 min read 06-09-2024

Creating a Tails OS bootable USB drive is a great way to maintain your privacy and anonymity online. Tails is a live operating system that you can start on almost any computer from a USB stick, leaving no trace unless explicitly asked. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to create your own bootable USB for Tails OS.

What You Will Need

Before we dive into the process, gather the following materials:

A USB flash drive (at least 8GB in size)
A computer with internet access
Tails OS image file
A tool to write the image to the USB drive (like Balena Etcher or Rufus)

Steps to Create a Tails OS Bootable USB

Step 1: Download the Tails OS Image

Visit the Tails website: Go to the official Tails website to download the latest version of Tails OS.
Select the correct file: Choose the appropriate image for your system (usually the latest stable version).

Step 2: Verify the Download

It's essential to ensure that the Tails image you downloaded hasn’t been tampered with:

Download the verification files: On the Tails download page, locate and download the corresponding signature and checksum files.
Use GnuPG: Follow Tails' instructions to verify the downloaded image file using GnuPG. This step ensures that the image is authentic and safe to use.

Step 3: Prepare the USB Flash Drive

Insert the USB drive: Connect your USB flash drive to your computer.
Backup your data: This process will erase all data on the USB drive. Make sure to back up any important files.

Step 4: Write the Tails Image to the USB Drive

Depending on your operating system, follow one of the methods below:

For Windows Users (Using Rufus)

Download Rufus: Get Rufus from its official website.
Open Rufus: Launch the application and select your USB device.
Select the Tails image: Click on the "SELECT" button and choose the Tails OS image you downloaded.
Partition scheme: Select MBR for BIOS compatibility.
Start the process: Click "START" and confirm any prompts. This will write the Tails image to the USB drive.

For macOS Users (Using Balena Etcher)

Download Balena Etcher: Get it from Balena's official site.
Launch Etcher: Open the application and select the Tails image file.
Select your USB drive: Ensure your USB stick is chosen as the target.
Flash the drive: Click on “Flash!” to begin writing the image. Wait for the process to complete.

Step 5: Booting from the USB Drive

Restart your computer: After the flashing process is complete, restart your computer.
Enter BIOS/UEFI settings: This usually involves pressing a key like F2, F12, Esc, or Del immediately after powering on (the specific key will depend on your computer’s manufacturer).
Change boot order: Set the USB drive as the primary boot device.
Save changes and exit: Your computer will now boot from the USB drive.

Step 6: Using Tails OS

Choose "Start Tails": Once the Tails menu appears, select the option to start Tails.
Follow the on-screen instructions: You'll be guided through some initial configurations.
Enjoy anonymity: Once Tails loads, you can browse the internet and use applications without leaving traces on the computer.

Conclusion

Creating a Tails OS bootable USB is a straightforward process that enhances your online privacy. By following these steps, you can create a secure environment to navigate the web freely. Always remember to use Tails responsibly and keep your USB drive safe.

If you found this guide helpful, check out our other articles on online security and privacy tips to further enhance your digital life.

Tags: #TailsOS #BootableUSB #Privacy #Cybersecurity #Anonymity

Feel free to reach out with any questions or for further assistance!