Installation of Whonix on a USB

Whonix ®

Download

Windows Linux Mac VirtualBox KVM Qubes USB ISO (coming soon) More options Source Code

About

Overview Features Whonix vs VPNs Why Open Source? Project Activities Contributors Mission & Vision

Docs

Documentation FAQ Troubleshooting

Community

Forums Contribute

Support

Self Support First Policy Search Engines, Docs and AI Support (Limited) Reporting Bugs Contact (Restricted)

Tools Upload file Special pages Recent changes Print Version Page meta What links here Related changes Page information

Page Read Edit History Move Protection Unwatch Watch Delete Purge

User Preferences Watchlist Contributions Logout Create account Login

Donate

• Live Mode
• grub-live
• Whonix on USB

Whonix can be used as a plug-and-play operating system on a USB data stick. This is particularly interesting for users looking for a portable persistent or live operating system.

Current Situation

Yes, Whonix can be used on a USB.

1. Select a suitable host operating system.
2. Install it on USB.
3. Install a supported virtualizer.
4. Finally install Whonix.

At this time, Whonix does not provide a USB creator / image.

There are a number of online guides explaining how to install Linux on a USB. These instructions can be followed to create a live Whonix USB, with the exception that both a supported virtualizer and Whonix must also be installed on the external media.

If it is actually booting into non-persistent live boot is what you're interested in, look into Live Mode.

• Live Mode
• grub-live
• Whonix on USB

Specifically useful as a host operating system on USB is Kicksecure^™ which comes with the grub-live software package installed by default, which makes it possible to boot the host operating system into Live Mode.

Advantages

A higher level of security is attained by installing the host operating system(s) required for Whonix on a dedicated, (encrypted), external disk(s) like a USB flash drive, FireWire or eSATA device:

• Using external media reduces the risk of other operating system(s) infecting the Whonix host operating system.
• When Whonix disk(s) are not in use, they can either be removed or hidden.
• Optional Live Mode.

Related

• Live Mode
• Live Mode: Boot your existing, installed Debian Host into Live Mode with GRUB LIVE

Future

Whonix-Host Operating System Live ISO, Whonix-Host Installer. Community contributions are most welcome.

Whonix The most watertight privacy operating system in the world.

Dark mode

Follow us on social media

Supported by Power Up Privacy

Whonix is proudly supported until 2025 by Power Up Privacy, a privacy advocacy group that seeks to supercharge privacy projects with resources so they can complete their mission of making our world a better place. (Strictly subject to our sponsorship policy.)

At Whonix we value freedom and trust, supporting Open Source and Freedom Software

By using this website, you acknowledge you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these agreements: Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, E-Sign Consent, DMCA, Imprint 2012- 2024 ENCRYPTED SUPPORT LP

Your support makes
all the difference!

We believe security software like Whonix needs to remain open source and independent. Would you help sustain and grow the project? Learn more about our 12 year success story and maybe DONATE!