The latest iteration of The Amnesic Incognito Live System land With a minor update that, despite its name, is noticeable from the first boot: Tails 7.1 polishes the experience, fine-tunes privacy, and tweaks critical security features. Overall, this release is much more than just a maintenance update: Reduces fingerprint, improves authentication flows and updates key components to remain the benchmark in anonymous browsing.
For those not up to date, Tails is a Debian-based live distribution designed to run from a USB or DVD, with all traffic routed through Tor and leaving no trace on the host computer. With 7.1, the team strengthens this approach with strategic design decisions, changes to key apps, and revised hardware requirements. The idea is clear: more real privacy, less noise and friction when using the system..
Tor Browser homepage: now offline and more discreet in Tails 7.1
One of the most significant new features arrives where most of us live: the browser. Starting with Tails 7.1, the Tor Browser homepage within the system ceases to be an online resource on the project site and becomes a local page. This shift to an offline home reduces temporal correlations and eliminates the initial identifiable connection. which could previously associate boot time with network activity.
Beyond the technical details, the practical benefit is tangible: it minimizes metadata sharing at a particularly sensitive point (login) and standardizes behavior with the standard Tor Browser outside of Tails. Less exposure, same usability and a more neutral boot profile.
Clearer authentication when no password is defined on the Welcome Screen
Another important improvement is noticeable when trying to open an application with administrative privileges without having set a password on the home screen. The prompt dialog now explains this better and guides the user more gently. The result is a more coherent and smooth experience, without weakening the security model. that characterizes Tails.
This change avoids common confusion and streamlines specific administration tasks. Ultimately, anyone who needs to elevate privileges will know how to proceed and why they're seeing that dialog box. Small adjustments that reduce friction and errors due to misunderstandings.
The core application suite has also been updated with recent versions to address vulnerabilities and strengthen stability. In Tails 7.1, you'll find Tor Browser 14.5.8, the Tor client 0.4.8.19, and Mozilla Thunderbird 140.3.0. These are movements that fit Tails' role: security up to date and stability above all..
Tails 7.1 says goodbye to ifupdown: aligning with the modern networking stack
On the system front, Tails 7.1 removes the ifupdown package to fully embrace the modern networking solutions already dominant in current Debian. This transition aligns with the move to Debian 13 Trixie that arrived with the 7.x series. The goal: to simplify and modernize network configuration while maintaining compatibility and best practices..
This change fits with the natural evolution of the Debian base: fewer legacy dependencies, more consistency with systemd and its ecosystem, and a cleaner maintenance path in the medium term. Fewer antique pieces, more consistency with the state of the art.
System requirements: minimum RAM increases to 3 GB
Important change for older hardware: the minimum recommended RAM amount for Tails has been increased to 3 GB (previously 2 GB). If the computer doesn't reach this threshold, the system automatically notifies the user from the start. This increase ensures reasonable performance with modern applications., avoiding uncomfortable bottlenecks.
If your machine is running low on power, you may find the experience worse when opening multiple apps at once. It's a good idea to be practical here: use fewer tabs, avoid heavy tasks, or opt for a faster USB port to reduce loading times. The system itself will make it easy for you with proactive notifications..
Issues fixed in Tails 7.1 and minor annoyances gone
In addition to the change to the offline home page and improved authentication dialog, the team has removed an annoying warning in 7.1 that appeared in new browser tabs indicating that the Tor connection was not being handled by Tor Browser. It was a confusing message that, de facto, did not improve security. and now stop distracting.
Performance and storage: practical tips
The transition to zstd for image compression, introduced with 7.0, results in significantly improved boot times on most computers. However, this improvement may be limited by poor-quality USB drives. Investing in a decent flash drive is the difference between a smooth experience and a pain..
Persistent storage, on the other hand, is a blessing when used well and a liability if neglected: enable encryption, save as little as possible, and back up sensitive material. Voluntary amnesia remains at the heart of Tails, and persistence should be a tool, not a shortcut to bad practices.
Compatibility, support and community
To answer any questions, the project website centralizes documentation, a support section, and community contact channels. There you'll find installation guides, troubleshooting guides, and official recommendations. Going to the project sources avoids confusion and keeps you on the safe path..
For example, some users have reported issues with updating in previous cycles and abnormal behavior after upgrading. If you encounter any errors when upgrading to 7.1 from 7.0, the sensible thing to do is to try a manual update, verify the media, change ports or USB drives, and compare them with the project notes. Isolated cases are usually resolved with careful verification and reinstallation..
This release focuses on what it should be: adjusting browser exposure at startup, clarifying authentication flows, updating sensitive components, removing obsolete parts, and requiring a minimum RAM size consistent with 2025. With all this, Tails 7.1 feels more refined and ready for everyday use. of those who cannot let their guard down.
