What is Whonix? Who it is for
Whonix is built on Debian. It uses Xfce as its desktop and apt for software, and it follows numbered releases on a fixed schedule.
Whonix at a glance
- Foundation: built on Debian
- Desktop: Xfce
- Software tools: apt
- Release style: numbered releases on a fixed schedule
- Installer: a virtual machine image
Who Whonix suits
Whonix suits people who want anonymity by routing everything through Tor.
Strengths
- Design choices that put privacy and security ahead of convenience.
- Fine control over how the system is built and what it contains.
Things to consider
- Extra isolation or anonymity can mean slower performance and some programs behaving differently.
- It expects you to read documentation and solve problems yourself, so it is not the best first Linux system.
- As a rough guide, about 4 GB of RAM is a comfortable minimum for a desktop session.
Try Whonix from a USB drive
The easiest way to find out is to start it from a USB drive without changing your computer. See the Whonix bootable USB drive, then follow our install guide when you are ready. New to this? Read how to try Linux without installing it and how to boot from a USB drive.
Compare Whonix
Installing software on Whonix
Whonix uses apt. These commands search for a program and install it (replace name with the program):
apt search name sudo apt install name
Most desktop systems also have a graphical software store. See how to install software on Linux.
Frequently asked questions
Is Whonix good for beginners?
It can be used by beginners, but Whonix is aimed more at people who want anonymity by routing everything through Tor. If you are brand new, a beginner-friendly distribution such as Linux Mint or Ubuntu is usually an easier first step.
What desktop does Whonix use?
Whonix uses Xfce. To learn how desktops differ, read what GNOME, KDE, Xfce and Cinnamon are.
How much RAM does Whonix need?
As a rough guide, about 4 GB of RAM is a comfortable minimum for a desktop session.
Is Whonix based on another distribution?
Whonix is built on Debian.
How often is Whonix updated?
Whonix follows numbered releases on a fixed schedule.
How can I try Whonix without installing it?
Write it to a USB drive, restart, choose the drive from the boot menu and pick the live or try option. Nothing on your internal disk changes unless you choose to install.