Using Tor Browser in Qubes-Whonix™

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Tor Browser Icon

Documentation for Tor Browser in Qubes-Whonix: Installation, Update, Start, and Usage

Start Tor Browser

Qubes Start Menu → Whonix-Workstation™ AppVM (commonly called anon-whonix) → Tor Browser

Update Tor Browser

Do not run Tor Browser in a Template (whonix-workstation-17) or Disposable Template (whonix-workstation-17-dvm)!

Overview

Unfortunately, updating Tor Browser is more complex than regular system updates due to technical limitations outside of Whonix's control. Apply the following instructions to keep Tor Browser up to date at all times.

Table: Qubes VM Scenario and Instructions

Scenario	Instructions
New App Qubes and Disposables	In Qubes-Whonix™, Tor Browser Downloader by Whonix (update-torbrowser) automatically runs when the Whonix-Workstation™ Template (whonix-workstation-17) package tb-updater is updated. Therefore, running Tor Browser Downloader by Whonix inside the Template (whonix-workstation-17) ensures that new App Qubes and Disposables are created with a copy of the latest Tor Browser version. If the Tor Browser Downloader by Whonix package tb-updater has not been updated yet, it is advised to manually run it in the Whonix-Workstation Template (whonix-workstation-17). For instructions, see Tor Browser Downloader by Whonix.
Disposable Template	Do not run Tor Browser Downloader by Whonix inside the Disposable Template (whonix-workstation-17-dvm)! It should only be run in the Template (whonix-workstation-17) and/or in a whonix-workstation-17-based App Qube (anon-whonix). For further information on installing, updating and using Tor Browser in Qubes Disposables, see: How to use Disposables in Qubes-Whonix.
Existing App Qubes	Follow these steps to update Tor Browser in an existing Whonix-Workstation App Qube such as anon-whonix: A) Start Tor Browser: Qubes Start Menu → Whonix-Workstation App Qube (commonly called anon-whonix) → Tor Browser B) Update Tor Browser: Use Tor Browser Internal Updater. C) Re-install Tor Browser: Use Tor Browser Downloader by Whonix developers.

Summary

Table: Comparison of Applications, Recommended and Discouraged Use

Tool	Recommended Use	Not Recommended
Tor Browser Downloader (by Whonix developers)	Useful to run inside: Whonix-Workstation Template (whonix-workstation-17): to ensure that new App Qubes and Disposables are created with a copy of the latest Tor Browser version. Whonix-Workstation App Qube (anon-whonix): to re-install the latest Tor Browser version in existing Whonix-Workstation App Qubes. Less useful if run inside: Disposables: because upgrades won't persist	Disposable Template (whonix-workstation-17-dvm)
Tor Browser	Useful to run in: Whonix-Workstation App Qube (anon-whonix) Disposables	Whonix-Workstation Template (whonix-workstation-17) Disposable Template (whonix-workstation-17-dvm)

See Also

• Tor Browser documentation by Whonix
• Update Qubes-Whonix

Footnotes / References

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