Tails 7.8 Removes Thunderbird, Updates Tor Browser

Tails 7.8 has officially arrived as the latest update to the privacy-focused live Linux distribution designed to route all network activity through the Tor network. The release introduces an updated Tor Browser, important security patches, and a significant adjustment to the system’s default software package selection.

One of the biggest changes in this version is the removal of Thunderbird from the default Tails installation image. However, the email client is still supported and can be installed separately through the Additional Software feature.

For users who already use Persistent Storage with Thunderbird configured as Additional Software, the transition will happen automatically. Tails will automatically add Thunderbird to the saved additional software list during the upgrade process.

This new approach allows Tails to install the newest available Thunderbird version directly from Persistent Storage whenever the system boots, rather than relying on the version bundled in the base image.

Tails 7.8 also refreshes the included Tor Browser package, upgrading it to version 15.0.14. In addition, the release addresses several security vulnerabilities affecting the Linux 6.12 LTS kernel and the haveged entropy generation service. According to the Tails developers, these flaws could potentially allow applications running inside Tails to gain elevated administrative permissions.

The project recommends users review the official changelog and release announcement for complete technical details.

Automatic upgrades to Tails 7.8 are supported for systems already running Tails 7.0 or newer. Users who encounter problems during the automated update process, or systems that fail to boot afterward, are advised to use the manual upgrade procedure instead.

For additional details, refer to the changelog or the release announcement.

For fresh installations, Tails 7.8 is available both as a USB installation image and as an ISO image suitable for DVDs or virtual machines. The Tails team also reminds users that performing a clean installation on a USB drive will erase any existing Persistent Storage data saved on that device.