Tor Browser Complete Guide: Setup, Settings & Security

Tor Browser is your gateway to the dark web and enhanced online privacy. This guide covers everything from installation to advanced configuration for maximum security.

What is Tor Browser?

Tor Browser is a modified version of Firefox that routes your internet traffic through the Tor network. This provides:

• Anonymity - Websites can't see your real IP address
• Privacy - Your ISP can't see what sites you visit
• Access - View .onion sites and bypass censorship
• Security - Built-in protections against tracking

Installation Guide

Windows

1. Download the .exe installer from torproject.org
2. Run the installer and choose your language
3. Select installation folder (default is fine)
4. Click Install and wait for completion
5. Launch from Start menu or desktop shortcut

macOS

1. Download the .dmg file from torproject.org
2. Open the .dmg file
3. Drag Tor Browser to your Applications folder
4. First launch: Right-click > Open (to bypass Gatekeeper)
5. Allow the app in System Preferences > Security if prompted

Linux

1. Download the .tar.xz file from torproject.org
2. Extract: tar -xvf tor-browser-*.tar.xz
3. Enter the directory: cd tor-browser_en-US
4. Run: ./start-tor-browser.desktop

First Connection

When you first open Tor Browser, you'll see the connection screen:

Security Level Settings

Tor Browser has three security levels. Access them by clicking the shield icon next to the URL bar:

Essential Security Settings

Do These Immediately

1. Set security level to "Safer" - Click shield icon > Change
2. Don't maximize the window - Window size can fingerprint you
3. Keep default settings - Customizations can identify you
4. Enable HTTPS-Only Mode - Settings > Privacy & Security

Privacy Settings

Navigate to Settings > Privacy & Security:

• Cookies - Keep "Delete cookies when Tor Browser is closed" enabled
• History - "Never remember history" should be selected
• Permissions - Block location, camera, microphone by default
• Deceptive Content - Keep phishing protection enabled

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using Bridges

If Tor is blocked in your country, bridges can help you connect:

1. On the connection screen, click "Configure"
2. Select "Tor is censored in my country"
3. Choose "Select a built-in bridge" or request one
4. Built-in options: obfs4, meek-azure, snowflake

Which bridge to use:

• obfs4 - Good general-purpose option
• meek-azure - Disguises traffic as Microsoft cloud traffic
• snowflake - Uses peer-to-peer connections

Troubleshooting

Tor Won't Connect

• Check your internet connection
• Try using bridges (Configure option)
• Check if your firewall is blocking Tor
• Try a different network

Sites Loading Slowly

• This is normal - Tor routes through multiple relays
• Click the lock icon > "New Circuit for this Site"
• Try at different times (network load varies)

Sites Not Working

• Try lowering security level temporarily
• Check if the site requires JavaScript
• The .onion site may be offline

Advanced Configuration

Accessing about:config

For advanced users, type about:config in the URL bar. Be careful - wrong settings can compromise your anonymity.

Useful Settings

• javascript.enabled - false for maximum security
• media.peerconnection.enabled - false (prevents WebRTC leaks)
• geo.enabled - false (already disabled by default)

Keeping Tor Updated

Always use the latest version of Tor Browser:

• Tor Browser checks for updates automatically
• Never ignore update prompts
• Updates patch security vulnerabilities
• Outdated versions may be targeted by exploits