You get Tor Browser for Windows 10 or 11, 32-bit or 64-bit, current stable version 16.0[1]. Download it from the official Tor Project page at https://download.torproject.org/, where HTTPS helps prevent tampering[2]. First, open that page and download the Windows .exe file[3]. No separate Tor service is needed[4].
Tor Browser Download Methods for PC
| Download Method | Cost | Requirements | Time to Install | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Official Tor Project website (https://download.torproject.org/) | Free | Windows 10 or 11 (32-bit or 64-bit); HTTPS-capable browser; ~95 MB disk space | 5–10 minutes (download + installation) | May be blocked on some networks; requires direct internet access |
| Official mirrors (EFF, La Cebolla) | Free | Windows 10 or 11 (32-bit or 64-bit); access to mirror sites | 5–10 minutes (download + installation) | Recommended only when official site is blocked; same file, different host |
| GetTor service (email-based) | Free | Email account; Windows 10 or 11 (32-bit or 64-bit); access to Dropbox, Google Drive, or GitHub | 10–15 minutes (email response + download + installation) | Requires email; links hosted on third-party platforms; slower than direct download |
| Signature verification (optional) | Free (part of download) | GnuPG installed; '.asc' signature file from download page; basic command-line familiarity | Additional 2–5 minutes | Optional step; requires separate GnuPG setup; 'Good signature' message confirms authenticity |
How to Get Tor Browser on Your PC
Download from the official Tor Project site
Open https://download.torproject.org/ in your regular browser. The connection uses HTTPS, which makes tampering with the file during transfer much harder[2]. Choose the Windows build that matches your system: version 16.0 is the current stable release, available for both 32-bit (i686) and 64-bit (x86_64) architectures[1]. The download is a single multi-locale file, so you can change the interface language later in General settings[5]. Expect the .exe file to take a few minutes on a typical Bristol home connection.
Use an official mirror or GetTor if the site is blocked
If your network blocks the main Tor Project site, you have two documented alternatives. Tor Project recommends its official mirrors through EFF or La Cebolla[2]. You can also use the GetTor service, which replies with download links hosted on Dropbox, Google Drive, and GitHub[2]. Both routes deliver the same installer as the main site. Pick whichever one your network allows.
Check the download against Microsoft Defender SmartScreen
Windows may show a 'not commonly downloaded' warning when you open the file. This warning does not mean the installer is malicious; it means the program lacks an established reputation based on download volumes and history[6]. Microsoft advises checking whether the file is digitally signed by its software publisher, since most malicious programs are not signed[6]. You can view the signature by right-clicking the file, selecting Properties, then Digital Signatures. If the signature lists Tor Project, the warning is expected for this type of software.
Verify the package signature before installing
Each file on the Tor Project download page comes with a '.asc' OpenPGP signature file[7]. Verifying it confirms the package is exactly the one Tor Project intended you to get[7]. On Windows, a successful verification returns: 'gpgv: Good signature from "Tor Browser Developers (signing key) torbrowser@torproject.org"'[7]. This step is optional but recommended if you want to rule out a corrupted or substituted download.
Run the installer and choose where to place the program
Double-click the downloaded .exe file to start the installation wizard[3]. By default, the installer places Tor Browser in your Downloads or Desktop folder and creates a Desktop shortcut[3]. You can deselect the shortcut option during installation if you do not want it[3]. The wizard does not require administrator privileges and completes in under a minute on most PCs.
Confirm the installation works
Open Tor Browser from the Desktop shortcut or the folder where you installed it. Tor Browser runs its own Tor instance, so you do not need to enable a separate tor.service[4]. Visit https://check.torproject.org/ to see whether you are connected to Tor[8]. If the page confirms a Tor connection, the installation is complete and working.
Risks, Limitations, and What Tor Browser Does Not Guarantee
Tor Browser does not make you anonymous by default, and downloading it carries practical limits you should know before you start.
Network and access limitations. The official Tor Project site at https://download.torproject.org/ may be blocked on your network[2]. If you cannot reach it, you can use official mirrors through EFF or La Cebolla, or the GetTor service, which sends links hosted on Dropbox, Google Drive, and GitHub[2]. Each method delivers the same installer, but mirrors and GetTor add an extra step and rely on third-party platforms for hosting[2].
Windows SmartScreen warnings are expected. When you run the downloaded .exe file, Windows may display a 'not commonly downloaded' warning[6]. This does not mean the file is malicious; it means the program lacks an established reputation based on download volumes and history[6]. Most malicious programs are not digitally signed, so check the file's Properties → Digital Signatures tab to confirm the Tor Project signature[6]. If the signature is present, the warning is routine for this type of software.
Signature verification is optional but recommended. Each download comes with a '.asc' OpenPGP signature file[7]. Verifying it confirms the package is exactly what Tor Project intended you to get[7], but you need GnuPG installed and basic command-line familiarity. A successful check returns 'gpgv: Good signature from "Tor Browser Developers (signing key) torbrowser@torproject.org"'[7]. Skipping this step leaves you relying on HTTPS alone[2].
No separate Tor service is required. Tor Browser runs its own Tor instance, so you do not need to enable tor.service or install additional software[4]. Visit https://check.torproject.org/ after installation to confirm you are connected to Tor[8].
Common questions
How do I download Tor Browser for PC Windows 10?
Open https://download.torproject.org/ in your regular browser and download the Windows .exe file for version 16.0, which supports Windows 10 in both 32-bit and 64-bit builds[3][1]. The connection uses HTTPS, making tampering during transfer much harder[2]. Double-click the downloaded file to run the installation wizard, which places Tor Browser in your Downloads or Desktop folder by default[3].
Is Tor Browser free to download?
Yes, Tor Browser is free to download from the official Tor Project website at https://download.torproject.org/[2]. Official mirrors through EFF or La Cebolla and the GetTor service also provide the installer at no cost[2]. There is no paid tier or license fee for the desktop version.
Why does Windows say Tor Browser is not commonly downloaded?
Microsoft Defender SmartScreen shows this warning when a program lacks an established reputation based on download volumes, history, and other criteria, not because the file is malicious[6]. Microsoft advises checking whether the file is digitally signed by its software publisher, since most malicious programs are not signed[6]. Right-click the .exe file, select Properties, then Digital Signatures to confirm the Tor Project signature.
How do I know if Tor Browser is working?
Open Tor Browser and visit https://check.torproject.org/, which tells you whether you are connected to Tor[8]. Tor Browser runs its own Tor instance, so you do not need to enable a separate tor.service for it to work[4]. If the page confirms a Tor connection, the installation is functioning correctly.
Can I use Tor Browser without installing it?
Tor Browser for Windows is distributed as a .exe installer that you double-click to complete the installation wizard[3]. The installer places the program in your Downloads or Desktop folder and creates a Desktop shortcut unless you deselect that option[3]. There is no documented portable version from Tor Project for Windows that runs without installation.
Is the Tor Browser Chrome extension the same as Tor Browser?
No, Tor Browser is a standalone application that runs its own Tor instance, so no separate service or extension is required[4]. A Chrome extension cannot provide the same network routing or isolation as the full Tor Browser. The official Tor Project download is a Windows .exe file, not a browser extension[3].
Why is my antivirus blocking the Tor Browser installer?
Antivirus software may flag the installer because Tor Browser lacks an established reputation based on download volumes and history, which triggers heuristic warnings[6]. Microsoft advises checking whether the file is digitally signed by its software publisher, since most malicious programs are not signed[6]. Verify the Tor Project signature in Properties → Digital Signatures, and optionally check the '.asc' OpenPGP signature file to confirm the package is exactly what Tor Project intended you to get[7].
Explore More About Dark Web Safety
Discover additional resources to enhance your online privacy.
Visit Our ResourcesWorks cited
- 1
- Tor Browser for Desktop — Tor
- 2
- Downloading - Getting started - Tor Browser — Tor
- 3
- Installing - Getting started - Tor Browser — Tor
- 4
- Tor - ArchWiki
- 5
- Tor Project | Download Tor Browser
- 6
- Microsoft Defender SmartScreen Frequently Asked Questions
- 7
- Verify Tor Browser's signature - Getting started - Tor Browser — Tor
- 8
- Sorry. You are not using Tor.
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