The Linux distribution geared towards anonymity Tails 7.5 It is now available It arrives as a continuation of previous updates, but with significant changes in how some of its key applications are managed. While it doesn't introduce a revolution in terms of features, it does adjust core components of the system to strengthen the security of those who rely on this environment to work or communicate more safely.
This version is published as fifth update within the 7.x series It maintains Tails' original concept: running from a USB drive or bootable media, routing all traffic through the Tor network, and preventing any traces from being left on the computer where it was used. This approach remains particularly relevant in Europe for journalists, activists, researchers, and users who require added confidentiality.
Technical base: Debian 13, Linux 6.12 LTS and GNOME 48
Tails 7.5 is based on an updated foundation of Debian 13, upon which modern components of the Linux ecosystem are integrated. Among these, the kernel stands out. Linux 6.12LTSwhich incorporates security fixes and hardware-level improvements, and the desktop environment GNOME 48, which provides a relatively simple interface for a system designed for occasional use.
This 7.x branch has been receiving incremental adjustments and security patches Since its release, including a previous emergency update that overhauled the kernel and fixed over a hundred vulnerabilities, this decision was motivated by the risk that kernel flaws, combined with other bugs, could be exploited to try to de-anonymize users of the Tor network.
The heart of Tails: Tor and anonymous browsing
As with every release, a significant part of the new features of Tails 7.5 revolves around TorThe technology that redirects and anonymizes the system's network traffic. In this version, the Tor client is updated to 0.4.9.5This integrates the latest corrections and improvements in stability and security of the onion router network.
It is also updated Tor Browser, the Firefox-based browser that acts as the gateway to the web in Tails, which is now moving to version 15.0.7In addition to the internal changes, this edition introduces a new, simplified homepage, designed to offer a clearer experience when starting the browser, something relevant for those who use Tails sporadically or in fast-paced work contexts where there is no time for complex configurations.
Key change in Tails 7.5: Thunderbird is installed as add-on software
The most striking new feature in Tails 7.5 affects ThunderbirdThunderbird, Mozilla's email client, which until now was included as standard within the distribution image, will continue to be available in version 1 starting with this release. 140.7.1, But It is no longer integrated as a fixed part of the base system.Instead, it is installed as additional software through Persistent Storage when configured by the user.
The reason for this change is primarily because safety and maintenanceMozilla frequently releases new versions of Thunderbird just days after a new edition of Tails is released, leaving the distribution with an outdated email client potentially exposed to known vulnerabilities. By moving Thunderbird to the "add-on software" scheme, the system can download and install the latest version on every boot, without having to wait for a full new Tails release.
To benefit from this approach, the user must activate it in the Persistent Storage the "Additional Software" function as the specific option of Thunderbird Email ClientWith these boxes enabled, Tails automatically installs Thunderbird on each startup from the persistent area, ensuring that an updated version is used whenever there is a connection to check for new packages.
Once Thunderbird is successfully installed as add-on software, the system displays a dialogue from "Thunderbird Migration" which reports on the new behavior and reveals a relevant detail regarding the future of distribution: starting from Tails 7.8, planned for May of 2026Thunderbird will no longer be included as part of the default suite of applications in the image. It will still be available, but only through this dynamic installation system from persistent storage.
ISO and USB images: size and use cases
With this launch, the project makes available to the public Updated images of Tails 7.5 in different formats. The standard ISO, designed for burning to DVD or use in virtual machines, is around 1,9 GB, while the specific image for USB drives is located around the 2 GBBoth versions, along with detailed installation guides and technical documentation, can be downloaded from the official website.
These images allow you to boot desktop computers, laptops, or shared equipment without needing to install anything on the hard drive, which can be especially practical for journalists on the move, humanitarian staff, associations, or groups operating in different European countries who need to carry a pre-configured work environment with them. Thanks to Persistent Storage Optionally, some data and settings can be retained between reboots, without compromising default security measures.
When a computer boots from a Tails USB or DVD, all network traffic is forcibly routed through the Tor network and the system is configured with strict privacy policiesThis limits, for example, writing to the host system and reduces exposure to tracking. This combination of portability, anonymity, and ease of use explains why Tails has gained ground as a tool for occasional work rather than as a primary, everyday operating system.
Tails as a tool: common uses and the need to update
Although Tails is a complete distribution, its main goal is to be a specialized tool rather than a system for everyday useIts design is geared towards temporary sessions, in which sensitive information is accessed, sensitive communications are maintained, or work is done in contexts where simply using a computer may entail risks of surveillance or censorship.
Investigative journalists, activists, human rights defendersPeople who work with leaks or protected sources, and users living in heavily censored internet environments, turn to Tails for a relatively consistent and predictable environment, regardless of their country or hardware. In Europe, where data protection and privacy remain high-profile issues, Tails has become a viable option when additional security measures beyond a browser with extensions or a simple VPN are required.
The changes introduced in Tails 7.5, especially the new Thunderbird management and the Tor ecosystem update, reinforce the importance of Always keep the distribution in its latest versionEach release incorporates security fixes that, in an environment geared towards anonymity, are not a mere technical detail, but a fundamental part of user protection.
With this update, Tails takes another step in refining its balance between ease of use and strength against potential attacks, without losing sight of its original philosophy: to offer a portable system that helps reduce exposure to surveillance and tracking, keeping control in the hands of the user and relying on open technologies such as Debian, Tor and Thunderbird to build the most robust environment possible.