Tails 7.0 released with GNOME 48 and improved startup speed, based on Debian 13 “Trixie”

Tails 7.0 launches as the newest version of this privacy-focused portable operating system, now based on Debian 13 “Trixie”, and running on the Linux kernel 6.12, with GNOME 48 as the desktop environment. Users can expect notably faster boot times, as Tails 7.0 starts 10 to 15 seconds quicker on most computers after the switch from xz to zstd compression for USB and ISO images, though image size increases by 10% as a tradeoff.

Following these improvements, several changes affect user-facing workflows. GNOME Terminal has been replaced by GNOME Console, while GNOME Image Viewer has also been replaced by GNOME Loupe. Application updates feature the latest privacy and productivity tools, including Tor Browser 14.5.7, Tor client 0.4.8.17, Thunderbird 128 ESR, Electrum Bitcoin wallet 4.5.8, OnionShare 2.6.3, KeePassXC 2.7.10, Kleopatra 4:24.12, Inkscape 1.4, GIMP 3.0.4, Audacity 3.7.3, Text Editor 48.3, and Document Scanner 46.0.

Additionally, redesigned GNOME settings now include improvements across accessibility, sound, and mouse & keyboard sections. New accessibility features such as “Overamplication” and “Always Show Scrollbars” have been added. Additional GNOME interface changes deliver a dynamic workspace indicator, more advanced screen reader options, and the ability to improve battery health. Minimum required memory for Tails increases to 3 GB RAM, and some minor components have been removed alongside bug fixes.