How it works
How it works
A plain-language overview of what a PRIVACYBOOT device does and what it does not do.
DRAFT — for review. This text is a working draft and must be approved (legal/compliance) before launch.
1. A live operating system
Your PRIVACYBOOT device holds a privacy-focused live operating system. You start ("boot") a supported computer from the USB device instead of its usual system. The computer's own operating system and files are not used while you work, and the live system is designed to reduce local traces on the host when used as intended.
2. Tor for supported traffic
Once connected to a network, the system uses Tor for supported traffic. Tor routes that traffic through several relays to make it harder to link your activity to your network location. It is not a guarantee of anonymity, and some activities and websites may behave differently over Tor.
3. Optional Persistent Storage
By default, the live system starts fresh each time. If you choose to set up Persistent Storage, an encrypted area on the device keeps the files and settings you select. It intentionally retains that information, so:
- Only save what you need, and decide what to keep.
- You create and manage its passphrase. We cannot recover it and will never ask for it.
- Not every download is saved automatically. Save files into Persistent Storage deliberately.
- Back up important files and always use the safe shutdown option.
4. Safe shutdown
Shut down from the system menu and wait until it finishes before removing the device. Pulling the device out while it is in use can damage data in Persistent Storage.
What it does not do
Privacy protections depend on configuration and use. No system guarantees complete anonymity. It cannot protect you from a compromised or modified computer, from what you choose to share, or from websites you sign in to.
PRIVACYBOOT is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the projects whose free software it carries. See our guides for how each device is prepared and how to verify it.