The new version of live distribution focused on anonymity it's here. Tails 7.0 It arrives as a major update, based on a base change that modernizes the entire system and focuses on performance, compatibility, and minor interface adjustments.
For those who don't know where it is, we are talking about a system designed to run from a USB stick, route traffic through the Tor network and leave no trace on your computer. You can use optional persistent storage, but its priority is the privacy, so there are limits in performance and everyday uses that should be kept in mind.
Tails 7.0 Highlights
The core of this release is the update to Debian 13 Trixie to Linux 6.12LTS (Tails 7.0 ships with branch 6.12.43), plus the desktop GNOME 48This combination translates into broader support for recent hardware and a flood of updated packages affecting both system utilities and common applications.
- Tor 0.4.8.17 y Tor Browser 14.5.7
- Mozilla Thunderbird 128.14 ESR and Cleopatra 24.12
- KeePassXC 2.7.10 GIMP 3.0.4 and Inkscape 1.4
- Audacity 3.7.3 OnionShare 2.6.3 y Electrum 4.5.8
There are also changes to the predefined applications: the default terminal emulator is now GNOME-Console and consequently the launcher with administrative privileges is renamed as Root Console. Image viewing now falls on GNOME Loupe, and Kleopatra is no longer in Favorites (still available from Apps > Accessories).
Faster startup and new compression algorithm
One of the most visible effects is that the system starts 10 to 15 seconds faster on most computers. The reason is the change in the compression algorithm for USB and ISO images, which goes from xz to zstdThe trade-off is a final size that's approximately 10% larger, a decision that prioritizes speed of decompression during startup.
There is an important nuance: with USB flash drives of dubious quality the opposite may occur and the boot may be up to 20 seconds slowerDevelopers recommend purchasing units from retailers with reliable supply chains to avoid counterfeiting and performance issues.
Interface and accessibility with GNOME 48
The desktop jump brings redesigns to dashboards Settings like Accessibility, Sound, or Mouse and Keyboard, along with new features like audio overboost and the option to always show scroll bars. The workspace indicator replaces the previous Activities button and the Screen Reader improves table navigation, in addition to incorporating an option to take care of the battery's health.
Cleaning of removed menus and packages
The is deleted Places menu from the top bar; the equivalent shortcuts are still accessible from the file manager sidebar. The obsolete option has also disappeared. Network Connection from the welcome screen, and several packages that were no longer needed are removed from the live image: unar, aircrack-ng y sq.
Requirements, installation and upgrade to Tails 7.0
Starting with this version, Tails requires at least 3 GB of RAM for a smooth experience (previously the minimum was 2 GB). Images are offered for 64-bit architectures, in ISO and USB format. Those who already use Tails can upgrade to the new version via manual update; On new installations, the wizard makes it easy to create a bootable USB with optional persistent storage.
Corrections and minor adjustments
In addition to the new features, bugs such as the selection of the correct keyboard in certain languages. In the case of Inkscape, the system now skips the onboarding screen to speed up the first run and, for consistency With the change of terminal, names and accesses in the menus are updated.
Tails 7.0 arrives with a dedication
The Tails team dedicates this delivery to Lunar (Jérémy Bobbio), a veteran collaborator of the project, in recognition of his contributions over the years.
The whole package draws a solid update: modern base with Debian 13 and GNOME 48, faster boot, adjusted requirements and a review of key applications, maintaining the essence of Tails as a live amnesiac system focused on privacy through Tor.
