Developers of the anonymizing Linux distribution Tails have released version 7.3.1, skipping 7.3 to address a security vulnerability. This update brings the latest versions of Tor Browser, Tor client, and Thunderbird. The release emphasizes protection against surveillance through updated core software.
The Tails project, known for its privacy-oriented Linux distribution based on Debian GNU/Linux, launched version 7.3.1 on December 11, 2025. This marks the third minor update in the 7.x series, arriving about a month after Tails 7.2 in mid-November 2025.
Tails 7.3.1 primarily focuses on updating key components to their most recent versions. The Tor Browser is now at 15.0.3, built on Mozilla Firefox ESR 140, which includes new features such as support for vertical tabs, tab groups, and a unified search button in the address bar. The Tor client and server have been upgraded to 0.4.8.21, enhancing anonymous networking capabilities. Additionally, the default email client, Mozilla Thunderbird, is updated to version 140.5.0 ESR.
The developers skipped version 7.3 after discovering a security vulnerability in an unspecified software library during preparations. To incorporate the fix promptly, they proceeded directly to 7.3.1. The firmware repository aligns with the Debian Trixie level as of November 11, 2025.
This release builds on Tails 7.0, introduced on September 18, 2025, which is based on Debian 13 “Trixie” and features the Linux 6.12 LTS kernel along with the GNOME 48 desktop environment. Tails 7.0 also introduced GNOME Console as the default terminal emulator and GNOME Loupe as the image viewer, while removing outdated options like the Kleopatra app from the favorites menu and the obsolete Network Connection from the Welcome Screen.
Images for Tails 7.3.1 are available for download from official servers, including USB stick formats and ISO files for DVDs or virtual machines. BitTorrent links provide peer-to-peer options. Automatic upgrades are supported from versions 7.0, 7.1, and 7.2, with manual upgrades also possible. Tails enables users to boot foreign computers in a protected environment, facilitating anonymous web browsing via the Tor network to minimize traceable traces.
