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 Forum Best Practices 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 useful for users looking for a portable persistent or live operating system.

Current Situation

Yes, Whonix can be used on a USB.

1. Select a host operating system.

Using Kicksecure on USB

Kicksecure^™ is a security-focused operating system, which is particularly useful as a host operating system (OS) on USB.

2. Install Kicksecure on USB

See instructions Kicksecure USB Installation.

3. Boot Kicksecure from USB.

4. Open a terminal.

Start Menu → Xfce Terminal

5. Install Whonix on Kicksecure USB.

Whonix Installation on Kicksecure is simple using Whonix Linux Installer for VirtualBox. It's just a single command.

whonix-xfce-installer-cli

7. Live mode.

Optional: Kicksecure also comes with the grub-live software package installed by default, which makes it possible to boot the host operating system into Live Mode.

8. Done.

Using Other Operating Systems on USB

2. Select a suitable host operating system.

3. Install it on USB.

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.

4. Install Whonix on a supported virtualizer.

5. Done.

Advantages of Whonix on USB

Better Security: A higher level of security is achieved by installing the host operating system(s) on a dedicated, (encrypted), external disk(s) such as a USB flash drive or others. In the case of using Dual Boot, using physical external media reduces the risk of malware running on other operating system(s) infecting the Whonix host operating system.

Can be unplugged and securely stored: When Whonix disk(s) are not in use, they can either be removed or hidden.

Related

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

• Live Mode
• grub-live
• Whonix on USB

Future

At this time, Whonix does not provide a USB creator / image. This might change in the future. See Whonix-Host Operating System Live ISO, Whonix-Host Installer. Community contributions are most welcome.

Footnotes

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- 2025 ENCRYPTED SUPPORT LLC

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 13 year success story and maybe DONATE!