To use Tor Browser on Windows, download the installer from the official Tor Project download page, install it, then click Connect when the browser opens. Windows 10 and Windows 11 are the supported Windows versions listed by Tor Project. If your network blocks Tor or requires a proxy, use Configure Connection instead.
Check Windows compatibility and download Tor Browser
Tor Project lists Windows 10 and Windows 11, in both 32-bit and 64-bit editions, in its installation requirements. Windows 8.1 and earlier are no longer supported by the current browser. Tor Project says maintenance for legacy Tor Browser 13.5 ended with version 13.5.29 in March 2026; it recommends moving to Windows 10 or 11 to receive the latest stable browser, security fixes, and features. See its legacy operating-system guidance for current status.
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- Open the Tor Project download instructions and follow the link to its official download site.
- Download the Windows
.exeinstaller. - Consider verifying the installer’s signature, as Tor Project recommends. This is especially useful when obtaining the package through an official mirror or GetTor rather than the main download route.
- Run the downloaded installer and follow the wizard. Note the destination folder shown during setup; the browser folder is commonly placed in Downloads or Desktop. A desktop shortcut is created unless you deselect that option.
If the official site is blocked, Tor Project points users to its official mirrors or GetTor. GetTor can provide the browser package with its cryptographic signature, signing-key fingerprint, and checksum. Avoid treating third-party download sites as equivalent to these official channels.
Connect on first launch
When Tor Browser opens, it displays a Connect to Tor window. For most users, the direct route is simply to click Connect and wait while the browser establishes a connection. Select Always connect automatically if you want it to use that choice on later launches. Tor Project describes this flow in its first-launch instructions.
#1 Best Overall
- 14" diagonal, 1366x768 resolution, HD BrightView LED, Glossy NON-TOUCH Display
Choose Configure Connection if your network censors Tor, you know it requires a proxy, or a direct connection does not work. Do not add proxy settings or bridges preemptively if a normal connection succeeds.
If Tor Browser cannot connect
Try Connection Assist or a bridge
When Tor is blocked, Connection Assist may select a bridge based on your location. If it cannot determine your location, you can select a region and try a bridge. A bridge is an alternative entry point to Tor that may help get around network blocking. On desktop, you can request bridges in the browser or enter complete bridge addresses in Settings → Connection. Tor Project explains the options in its guides to using bridges and getting bridges.
Rank #2
- 256 GB SSD of storage.
- Multitasking is easy with 16GB of RAM
- Equipped with a blazing fast Core i5 2.00 GHz processor.
If a bridge fails, it may be unavailable. Obtain another bridge and try again rather than assuming the browser or your computer is broken.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Check whether a proxy is required
A proxy is relevant when your network is configured to use one; it is not a routine requirement for Tor Browser. If you do not know whether your network uses a proxy and the standard connection fails, start with Connection Assist and Tor Project’s connection troubleshooting guidance rather than guessing at proxy details.
Rank #3
- EFFORTLESS EVERYDAY PERFORMANCE: Powered by Intel Celeron N4020 processor and Windows 11 Home system, delivering reliable, low-power efficiency for daily tasks like document editing, email, online classes, and web browsing
- 15.6-INCH FULL HD DISPLAY: Enjoy immersive visuals on the 15.6" FHD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with micro-edge bezels. Delivers clear details and comfortable viewing for long study sessions, working on spreadsheets, and video playback
- RESPONSIVE MULTITASKING & STORAGE: Built with 4GB LPDDR4 RAM and 128GB eMMC storage for smooth daily essential use. Expand your storage by up to 1TB via the integrated TF card slot to easily store movies, photos, and working files
- ADVANCED CONNECTIVITY: Outfitted with 2x Full-Featured Type-C ports for data transfer, fast charging, and dual-monitor output, alongside 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 ports and a 3.5mm audio jack for complete peripheral compatibility
- LIGHTWEIGHT & SILENT OPERATION: Slim and portable for effortless travel or commuting. Features a 1MP HD webcam for remote meetings, 38Wh battery with 45W Type-C fast charging, and a fanless silent design for peaceful work environments.
Choose a security level for your needs
Tor Browser for desktop has three security levels. The default, Standard, leaves browser and website features enabled. Higher levels disable features that can pose risks, but may make some sites work poorly or not at all. Tor Project details the settings on its security levels page.
| Level | What changes | Practical effect |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Browser and website features remain enabled. | Best compatibility for ordinary browsing. |
| Safer | JavaScript is disabled on non-HTTPS sites; some fonts and math symbols are disabled; HTML5 audio and video are click-to-play. | Some pages may look different or require an extra click. |
| Safest | Only features needed for static sites and basic services are permitted. JavaScript is disabled by default on all sites, and some fonts, icons, math symbols, images, and media are limited. | More sites may lose interactive features or display incompletely. |
Choose a higher level when you prefer stricter feature limits over convenience, and lower it if a site you need stops working. You can change the level in settings; Tor Project says to restart the browser after changing it.
Rank #4
- WINDOWS 11 | STABLE PERFORMANCE: Powered by Intel Celeron N4020 processor and Windows 11 system, this laptop delivers stable performance for everyday computing tasks. It supports web browsing, online learning, document editing, email communication, and basic office work with optimized power efficiency, providing a practical and reliable experience for essential daily use for daily use.
- 15.6” FHD IPS DISPLAY: Features a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display with narrow bezels, offering wider viewing angles and clearer image details compared to standard panels. The improved screen-to-body ratio enhances visual experience for study, reading, document work, and video playback, making it suitable for both productivity and entertainment use.
- 4GB DDR4 + 128GB eMMC STORAGE: Equipped with 4GB DDR4 memory and 128GB eMMC storage for everyday basics such as browsing, documents, email, and online learning platforms. The built-in TF card slot supports storage expansion up to 1TB, giving you more flexibility for files, photos, videos, and daily documents. TF card not included.
- CONNECTIVITY & PORTS: Includes 1× TF card slot, 2× USB 3.2 Gen1 ports, and 2× full-featured Type-C ports (USB 3.2 Gen1). The Type-C ports support data transfer, charging, and video output, enabling flexible connection with external devices such as monitors, storage, and peripherals for daily work and study use.
- LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN | ONLINE COMMUNICATION: Designed with a slim, portable profile, this laptop is easy to carry for school, commuting, and travel. A built-in 1MP front camera supports online classes, video meetings, remote communication, and everyday conferencing. The 3300mAh battery works with the low-power system design to support practical daily use, while thermal optimization helps maintain quieter operation during extended tasks.
Understand the connection to websites
Tor Browser includes HTTPS-Only Mode, which upgrades a connection to HTTPS when possible. HTTPS protects the connection between your browser and a site against certain forms of interception, but it is separate from Tor’s routing. If a site has no HTTPS version and you choose to continue over HTTP, that connection is not encrypted in the same way; the browser warns you before proceeding. See Tor Project’s secure connections guidance.
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Keep Tor Browser updated
Use the update prompt when it appears: open the main menu, select Update available – restart now, and let the browser download and install the update before restarting. Tor Project warns that outdated versions can contain security flaws that compromise privacy and anonymity; its update instructions also describe a manual reinstall route.
For a manual update, close Tor Browser, remove the old browser folder, download the latest desktop release from Tor Project, and install it again. Check the installation destination during setup so you can find the new folder.
Optional: install Tor Browser on removable media
Tor Project documents a portable Windows setup for users who want to carry the browser folder on removable media. Save the Windows installer directly to the media, run it, and choose that media as the installation destination. Writable media is recommended so the browser can be updated. This is optional: a USB drive is not needed for a standard Windows installation and does not, by itself, add anonymity. Follow Tor Project’s portable installation instructions.
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