Getting started
How to install the Tor Browser
Getting set up takes about five minutes and costs nothing. This guide walks you through downloading the Tor Browser safely, installing it on your device, and making your very first private connection — in plain, beginner-friendly steps.
First, download from the right place
The single most important safety step is making sure you download Tor from its official source. Fake “Tor” downloads do exist, and they can be unsafe.
How to know you're on the official site
The only official source is torproject.org. Type the address yourself, check that it starts with https://, and confirm the spelling is exactly torproject.org. Avoid “Tor” apps from random ad links, and never use unofficial mirrors. Advanced users can also verify the download's signature using the Tor Project's instructions.
Install Tor Browser on your device
Pick the steps for the device you're using. The process is short and you don't need to change any settings to get started.
Windows-
Visit the official download page
Go to torproject.org/download and click Download for Windows. This saves an installer file (ending in
.exe). -
Open the installer
Find the downloaded file (usually in your Downloads folder) and double-click it. If Windows asks for permission to make changes, choose Yes.
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Choose your language and finish setup
Select your language, keep the suggested install location, and click Install. Setup takes only a moment.
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Launch Tor Browser
Open Tor Browser from your Start menu or desktop shortcut, then continue to the “first connection” step below.
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Visit the official download page
Go to torproject.org/download and click Download for macOS. This saves a
.dmgfile. -
Open the disk image
Double-click the downloaded
.dmgfile to open it. A window will appear showing the Tor Browser icon. -
Drag Tor Browser into Applications
Drag the Tor Browser icon onto the Applications folder shown in the same window.
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Open it for the first time
Open Tor Browser from your Applications folder. The first time, macOS may ask you to confirm — choose Open. Then continue to the “first connection” step below.
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Open the Google Play Store
On your Android phone or tablet, open the Play Store app.
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Search for Tor Browser
Search for Tor Browser and confirm the developer is listed as The Tor Project. This makes sure you get the official app.
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Install the app
Tap Install and wait for it to download. You can also get the official app straight from torproject.org/download.
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Open Tor Browser
Tap Open, then continue to the “first connection” step below. (Want the full mobile walkthrough? See Tor Browser on Android.)
Using an iPhone or iPad?
There is no official Tor Browser for iOS due to Apple's restrictions. The Tor Project instead recommends Onion Browser, a free, open-source app that connects to the Tor network on iOS.
Make your first connection
You're almost there. The first time you open the Tor Browser, it needs to connect to the Tor network.
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Click “Connect”
When the welcome screen appears, simply click Connect. For most people, Tor connects within a few seconds — no setup required.
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Start browsing privately
Once connected, use Tor Browser just like any normal browser. Type a web address or search, and your traffic is routed privately through the Tor network.
If Tor is blocked on your network
In a few places — such as some countries, schools, or workplaces — access to Tor is blocked. If Connect doesn't work, Tor Browser can use a bridge, a special entry point that helps you reach the network. Choose the option to configure a bridge when prompted, and Tor Browser can request one for you automatically. Stuck on “Connecting…”? See our full guide to fixing Tor when it won't connect.