Operating Systems
Even your own computer could be compromising your privacy. Discover our recommended OS choices for all the devices you use.
Introductory Operating Systems
Pop!_OS Linux
Pop!_OS is an Ubuntu based Linux distribution developed by System76. Pop!_OS is an easy to use & beginner friendly distro with many built in features. Pop! comes with the Gnome desktop enviroment installed by default.
Linux Mint Linux
Linux Mint is an easy to use Linux distro which focuses on stability and ease of use. Linux Mint can be installed with either the Cinnamon, Mate, or Xfce desktop environments which all have a resemblance to the Windows desktop environment making Linux Mint feel familiar and easy to use for people switching over.
Fedora Workstation Linux
Fedora is a Linux distribution developed by the Fedora Project and sponsored by Red Hat. Fedora Workstation is a secure, reliable, and user-friendly edition developed for desktops and laptops. Fedora by default comes with the GNOME desktop environment, other desktop environments are also available.
Advanced Operating Systems
Alpine Linux Linux
Alpine Linux is a very minimal distribution designed to be secure and very resource efficient. Alpine Linux can run from RAM, and merge configuration files into the system on boot using Alpine local backup. Alpine Linux is often used on servers and in Linux containers.
Arch Linux Linux
A simple, lightweight Linux distribution. It is composed predominantly of free and open-source software, and supports community involvement. Reproducible builds
Debian Linux
Debian is a Unix-like computer operating system and a Linux distribution that is composed entirely of free and open-source software, most of which is under the GNU General Public License, and packaged by a group of individuals known as the Debian project. Reproducible builds
NixOS Linux
NixOS is a Linux distribution with a unique approach to package and configuration management. Built on top of the Nix package manager, it is completely declarative, makes upgrading systems reliable, and has many other advantages. Reproducible builds
Qubes OS Xen
Qubes is an open-source operating system designed to provide strong security for desktop computing. Qubes is based on Xen, the X Window System, and Linux, and can run most Linux applications and utilize most of the Linux drivers.
Warning
Tor-Focused Distributions
Tails Linux
Tails is a live operating system that can boot on almost any computer from a DVD, USB stick, or SD card you control. It aims at preserving privacy and anonymity, and circumventing censorship by forcing Internet connections through the Tor network; leaving no trace on the computer; and using state-of-the-art cryptographic tools to encrypt files, emails, and instant messages.
Whonix Linux
A Debian-based security-focused Linux distribution. It aims to provide privacy, security and anonymity on the internet. The operating system consists of two virtual machines, a "Workstation" and a Tor "Gateway". All communication are forced through the Tor network to accomplish this. Whonix is best used in conjunction with Qubes.
Mobile Operating Systems
Android-based Operating Systems
Even though the source code of the following operating systems is provided, installing Google Apps may compromise your setup.
CalyxOS
AOSP
CalyxOS is a custom ROM based on the Android Open Source Project with Pixel phones. It aims to be secure and private by default including a number of good choices for default applications. It also supports verified boot.
GrapheneOS
AOSP
GrapheneOS (formerly known as CopperheadOS) is a free and open-source security- and privacy-focused mobile operating system built on top of the Android Open Source Project. It currently specifically targets devices offering strong hardware security.
LineageOS (Official Builds)
AOSP
LineageOS is a custom ROM based on the Android Open Source Project with official support for a wide variety of devices. The project is the successor to the popular CyanogenMod project, focusing on system control and customization, device longevity, and privacy. For security reasons, we do not recommend third-party builds of LineageOS for unsupported devices.
Worth Mentioning
-
MicroG
Add-on Package
- A project that aims to reimplement the proprietary Google Play Services in the Android operating system with a FLOSS replacement. The microG project also maintains a fork of LineageOS with microG and F-Droid preinstalled at Lineage for microG.
Android Privacy Add-ons
Control your traffic with NetGuard
NetGuard provides simple and advanced methods to block certain apps from accessing the internet, without requiring root privileges. Applications and addresses can be individually allowed or denied access to your Wi-Fi and/or mobile connections, allowing you to control exactly which apps are able to phone home or not.
Tor for Android with Orbot
Orbot is a free proxy app that empowers other apps to use the internet more securely. Orbot uses Tor to encrypt your Internet traffic and then hides it by bouncing through a series of computers around the world.
See also
-
Our DNS client recommendations, which have information on enabling encrypted DNS on Android.
iOS Privacy Add-ons
Use a VPN with Passepartout
Passepartout is a free, open-source, and user friendly OpenVPN app with presets for multiple providers (including Mullvad and ProtonVPN, two PrivacyTools recommended providers) and easy configurability.
Block content in Safari with AdGuard for iOS
AdGuard for iOS is a free (and open-source) content-blocking app that allows you to set filters within Safari. As required by iOS, it uses the native Content Blocker API for even greater privacy.
See also
-
Our DNS client recommendations, which have information on enabling encrypted DNS on iOS.
Other Mobile Operating Systems
Ubuntu Touch
Linux
Ubuntu Touch is a free and open-source operating system for smartphones and tablets. It's an alternative to the current popular mobile operating systems on the market. Only a few devices are supported.
Open Source Router Firmware
OpenWrt
Linux
OpenWrt is an operating system (in particular, an embedded operating system) based on the Linux kernel, primarily used on embedded devices to route network traffic. The main components are the Linux kernel, util-linux, uClibc and BusyBox. All components have been optimized for size, to be small enough for fitting into the limited storage and memory available in home routers.
pfSense
BSD
pfSense is an open source firewall/router computer software distribution based on FreeBSD. It is installed on a computer to make a dedicated firewall/router for a network and is noted for its reliability and offering features often only found in expensive commercial firewalls. pfSense is commonly deployed as a perimeter firewall, router, wireless access point, DHCP server, DNS server, and as a VPN endpoint.
LibreCMC
GNU/Linux
LibreCMC is a GNU/Linux-libre distribution for computers with minimal resources, such as the Ben Nanonote, ath9k-based Wi-Fi routers, and other hardware with emphasis on free software. The project's current goal is to aim for compliance with the GNU Free System Distribution Guidelines (GNU FSDG) and ensure that the project continues to meet these requirements set forth by the Free Software Foundation (FSF).
Don't use Windows 10 - It's a privacy nightmare
Microsoft introduced a lot of new features in Windows 10 such as Cortana. However, most of them are violating your privacy.
- Data syncing is by default enabled.
- Browsing history and open websites.
- Apps settings.
- WiFi hotspot names and passwords.
- Your device is by default tagged with a unique advertising ID.
- Used to serve you with personalized advertisements by third-party advertisers and ad networks.
- Cortana can collect any of your data.
- Your keystrokes, searches and mic input.
- Calendar data.
- Music you listen to.
- Credit Card information.
- Purchases.
- Microsoft can collect any personal data.
- Your identity.
- Passwords.
- Demographics.
- Interests and habits.
- Usage data.
- Contacts and relationships.
- Location data.
- Content like emails, instant messages, caller list, audio and video recordings.
- Your data can be shared.
- When downloading Windows 10, you are authorizing Microsoft to share any of above-mentioned data with any third-party, with or without your consent.
This tool uses some known methods that attempt to disable major tracking features in Windows 10.
Related Information
- Microsoft Privacy Statement - Microsoft collects, uses and discloses personal information as described here. This allows OneDrive data, Cortana searches, and MS browser history to be sold to third parties.
- Cortana and privacy - To personalize your experience and provide the best possible suggestions, Cortana accesses your email and other communications and collects data about your contacts (People), like their title, suffix, first name, last name, middle name, nicknames, and company name. If you call, email, or text someone or they call, email, or text you, Cortana collects that person’s email address or phone number.
Some good news
- WindowsSpyBlocker - Open-source tool that blocks data collection.
- Comparison of Windows 10 Privacy tools - ghacks.net
More bad news
-
Windows 10 Sends Your Data 5500 Times Every Day Even After Tweaking Privacy Settings - The Hacker News.
- Even when told not to, Windows 10 just can't stop talking to Microsoft. It's no wonder that privacy activists are up in arms. - Ars Technica.
- Windows 10 Reserves The Right To Block Pirated Games And 'Unauthorized' Hardware. - Techdirt.
CalyxOS AOSP
CalyxOS is a custom ROM based on the Android Open Source Project with Pixel phones. It aims to be secure and private by default including a number of good choices for default applications. It also supports verified boot.
GrapheneOS AOSP
GrapheneOS (formerly known as CopperheadOS) is a free and open-source security- and privacy-focused mobile operating system built on top of the Android Open Source Project. It currently specifically targets devices offering strong hardware security.
LineageOS (Official Builds) AOSP
LineageOS is a custom ROM based on the Android Open Source Project with official support for a wide variety of devices. The project is the successor to the popular CyanogenMod project, focusing on system control and customization, device longevity, and privacy. For security reasons, we do not recommend third-party builds of LineageOS for unsupported devices.
Control your traffic with NetGuard
NetGuard provides simple and advanced methods to block certain apps from accessing the internet, without requiring root privileges. Applications and addresses can be individually allowed or denied access to your Wi-Fi and/or mobile connections, allowing you to control exactly which apps are able to phone home or not.
Tor for Android with Orbot
Orbot is a free proxy app that empowers other apps to use the internet more securely. Orbot uses Tor to encrypt your Internet traffic and then hides it by bouncing through a series of computers around the world.
Use a VPN with Passepartout
Passepartout is a free, open-source, and user friendly OpenVPN app with presets for multiple providers (including Mullvad and ProtonVPN, two PrivacyTools recommended providers) and easy configurability.
Block content in Safari with AdGuard for iOS
AdGuard for iOS is a free (and open-source) content-blocking app that allows you to set filters within Safari. As required by iOS, it uses the native Content Blocker API for even greater privacy.
See also
- Our DNS client recommendations, which have information on enabling encrypted DNS on iOS.
Other Mobile Operating Systems
Ubuntu Touch
Linux
Ubuntu Touch is a free and open-source operating system for smartphones and tablets. It's an alternative to the current popular mobile operating systems on the market. Only a few devices are supported.
Open Source Router Firmware
OpenWrt
Linux
OpenWrt is an operating system (in particular, an embedded operating system) based on the Linux kernel, primarily used on embedded devices to route network traffic. The main components are the Linux kernel, util-linux, uClibc and BusyBox. All components have been optimized for size, to be small enough for fitting into the limited storage and memory available in home routers.
pfSense
BSD
pfSense is an open source firewall/router computer software distribution based on FreeBSD. It is installed on a computer to make a dedicated firewall/router for a network and is noted for its reliability and offering features often only found in expensive commercial firewalls. pfSense is commonly deployed as a perimeter firewall, router, wireless access point, DHCP server, DNS server, and as a VPN endpoint.
LibreCMC
GNU/Linux
LibreCMC is a GNU/Linux-libre distribution for computers with minimal resources, such as the Ben Nanonote, ath9k-based Wi-Fi routers, and other hardware with emphasis on free software. The project's current goal is to aim for compliance with the GNU Free System Distribution Guidelines (GNU FSDG) and ensure that the project continues to meet these requirements set forth by the Free Software Foundation (FSF).
Don't use Windows 10 - It's a privacy nightmare
Microsoft introduced a lot of new features in Windows 10 such as Cortana. However, most of them are violating your privacy.
- Data syncing is by default enabled.
- Browsing history and open websites.
- Apps settings.
- WiFi hotspot names and passwords.
- Your device is by default tagged with a unique advertising ID.
- Used to serve you with personalized advertisements by third-party advertisers and ad networks.
- Cortana can collect any of your data.
- Your keystrokes, searches and mic input.
- Calendar data.
- Music you listen to.
- Credit Card information.
- Purchases.
- Microsoft can collect any personal data.
- Your identity.
- Passwords.
- Demographics.
- Interests and habits.
- Usage data.
- Contacts and relationships.
- Location data.
- Content like emails, instant messages, caller list, audio and video recordings.
- Your data can be shared.
- When downloading Windows 10, you are authorizing Microsoft to share any of above-mentioned data with any third-party, with or without your consent.
Ubuntu Touch Linux
Ubuntu Touch is a free and open-source operating system for smartphones and tablets. It's an alternative to the current popular mobile operating systems on the market. Only a few devices are supported.
OpenWrt Linux
OpenWrt is an operating system (in particular, an embedded operating system) based on the Linux kernel, primarily used on embedded devices to route network traffic. The main components are the Linux kernel, util-linux, uClibc and BusyBox. All components have been optimized for size, to be small enough for fitting into the limited storage and memory available in home routers.
pfSense BSD
pfSense is an open source firewall/router computer software distribution based on FreeBSD. It is installed on a computer to make a dedicated firewall/router for a network and is noted for its reliability and offering features often only found in expensive commercial firewalls. pfSense is commonly deployed as a perimeter firewall, router, wireless access point, DHCP server, DNS server, and as a VPN endpoint.
LibreCMC GNU/Linux
LibreCMC is a GNU/Linux-libre distribution for computers with minimal resources, such as the Ben Nanonote, ath9k-based Wi-Fi routers, and other hardware with emphasis on free software. The project's current goal is to aim for compliance with the GNU Free System Distribution Guidelines (GNU FSDG) and ensure that the project continues to meet these requirements set forth by the Free Software Foundation (FSF).
- Browsing history and open websites.
- Apps settings.
- WiFi hotspot names and passwords.
- Used to serve you with personalized advertisements by third-party advertisers and ad networks.
- Your keystrokes, searches and mic input.
- Calendar data.
- Music you listen to.
- Credit Card information.
- Purchases.
- Your identity.
- Passwords.
- Demographics.
- Interests and habits.
- Usage data.
- Contacts and relationships.
- Location data.
- Content like emails, instant messages, caller list, audio and video recordings.
- When downloading Windows 10, you are authorizing Microsoft to share any of above-mentioned data with any third-party, with or without your consent.
This tool uses some known methods that attempt to disable major tracking features in Windows 10.
Related Information
- Microsoft Privacy Statement - Microsoft collects, uses and discloses personal information as described here. This allows OneDrive data, Cortana searches, and MS browser history to be sold to third parties.
- Cortana and privacy - To personalize your experience and provide the best possible suggestions, Cortana accesses your email and other communications and collects data about your contacts (People), like their title, suffix, first name, last name, middle name, nicknames, and company name. If you call, email, or text someone or they call, email, or text you, Cortana collects that person’s email address or phone number.
Some good news
- WindowsSpyBlocker - Open-source tool that blocks data collection.
- Comparison of Windows 10 Privacy tools - ghacks.net
More bad news
- Windows 10 Sends Your Data 5500 Times Every Day Even After Tweaking Privacy Settings - The Hacker News.
- Even when told not to, Windows 10 just can't stop talking to Microsoft. It's no wonder that privacy activists are up in arms. - Ars Technica.
- Windows 10 Reserves The Right To Block Pirated Games And 'Unauthorized' Hardware. - Techdirt.