Install Tor Browser on Ubuntu 18.04: Anonymous Browsing Guide

Tor Browser is a modified version of Firefox that routes all your web traffic through the Tor network. Each connection passes through multiple encrypted relay nodes before reaching its destination. This makes it very hard for websites, internet providers, or surveillance systems to track what you do online.

It is not just a VPN. Tor hides your IP address, prevents browser fingerprinting, and wipes all cookies and browsing history the moment you close it.

Before installing, there are a few things worth knowing. Browsing over Tor is slower than a normal connection because of the extra routing steps. Some websites block Tor exit nodes. In a small number of countries, Tor is restricted or blocked by government firewalls.

This guide shows you how to install Tor Browser on Ubuntu 18.04 using the Tor Browser Launcher. The same steps apply to Ubuntu 16.04 and other Ubuntu-based distributions.

<strong>Prerequisite:</strong>&nbsp;You need sudo access.

What Tor Browser Includes by Default

Tor Browser comes with a set of built-in privacy tools that work straight away:

• HTTPS Everywhere – pushes websites to use encrypted connections where available
• NoScript – blocks JavaScript on untrusted sites to reduce attack surface
• No browsing history – the browser stores nothing after you close the window
• No tracking cookies – all session data is cleared when Tor Browser exits

One important rule: do not install extra browser extensions or plugins. They can leak your real IP address or break the privacy protections Tor depends on.

Install Tor Browser on Ubuntu Using the Launcher

The recommended way to install Tor Browser on Ubuntu is through the Tor Browser Launcher. This script handles downloading and verifying the browser for you. The version in the default Ubuntu repositories is outdated, so we will add the official PPA from the project maintainer first.

Add the PPA to your system:

bashsudo add-apt-repository ppa:micahflee/ppa

Update the package list and install the launcher:

bashsudo apt updatesudo apt install torbrowser-launcher

The launcher is now on your system. Run it to download and set up Tor Browser:

bashtorbrowser-launcher

You can also launch it from the Activities menu by searching for “Tor Browser”.

Connect to the Tor Network

The first time you run the launcher, it downloads the Tor Browser package and checks the cryptographic signature automatically. This can take a few minutes depending on your connection speed.

After the download finishes, the Tor Network Settings window opens. Most users just need to click Connect. Tor will build a circuit through the network and open the browser.

If you are in a country where Tor is restricted or blocked, click Configure instead. You can set up a bridge or proxy connection to get around the block. Full instructions are available on the Tor Project support page.

Update and Uninstall Tor Browser

Tor Browser updates itself automatically when a new version is released. You do not need to reinstall it manually each time. To keep the Tor Browser Launcher package itself current, run:

bashsudo apt updatesudo apt install torbrowser-launcher

To remove Tor Browser and the launcher completely from your system, including all related packages, run:

bashsudo apt remove torbrowser-launcher

You can now browse the web privately and anonymously on your Ubuntu 18.04 desktop. Tor Browser is one of the strongest privacy tools available, especially in environments where tracking or censorship is a concern. Keep it updated, avoid adding extra extensions, and use it responsibly. Leave a comment below if you have any questions.