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How to create a Tails Live USB

What you need

  1. How to create a Tails Live USB, Download Tails OS: step 1, image 1 of 2 How to create a Tails Live USB, Download Tails OS: step 1, image 2 of 2
  2. How to create a Tails Live USB, Download and install BalenaEtcher: step 2, image 1 of 1
    • Insert the USB flash drive into an available USB port on your computer and launch Etcher.

    • In Etcher, click "Flash from file" and select the Tails ISO image you downloaded earlier.

    • Select the USB flash drive as the target device.

    • Double-check to ensure you have selected the correct drive, as the process will erase all data on the selected drive.

    • Click "Flash!" to start the process. Etcher will copy the Tails OS to the USB drive.

    • Once the flashing process is complete, safely eject the USB drive from your computer.

    • Etcher should do this automatically, however it is still good practice to check that the drive was ejected properly.

    • Insert the Tails live USB into the computer you want to use.

    • Restart the computer and enter the boot menu by pressing the appropriate key during startup (usually F2, F12, or Delete).

    • Select the USB drive as the boot device from the boot menu.

    • Tails will start, and you'll be presented with the Tails Greeter screen.

    • Follow the on-screen instructions to configure language, keyboard, and other settings.

    • 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.

Conclusion

Creating a Tails live USB using this iFixit guide provides you with a secure and private way to use Tails OS on any computer without leaving traces. Remember to always use Tails responsibly and respect the privacy and security it offers.

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Jacob Mehnert

Member since: 10/18/21

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