Installing the Tor Browser is the primary step for users seeking to reclaim their online privacy. By routing your internet traffic through a decentralized network of over 7,000 volunteer-run relays, Tor masks your IP address and prevents ISPs, advertisers, and governments from tracking your browsing habits.

Best Practices for Using Tor

Connect

: Open the browser and click Connect on the startup screen to join the Tor network. Tor Browser 4.5 is released | The Tor Project

• Go to the official website: torproject.org/download/.
• Click the purple "Download for Windows" button.

1. Extract the downloaded .tar.xz file:

   tar -xf tor-browser-linux64-13.5.x.tar.xz
   

2. Open the extracted folder in your terminal or file manager.
3. Run the launcher script:

   ./start-tor-browser
   

   Optional: To add a desktop shortcut:

   ./start-tor-browser --register-app
   

The .exe or .dmg file is not enough. You must perform cryptographic verification.