How to Upgrade Tails
Last updated: May 2026
Upgrading Tails is important to get the latest security patches and features. There are two methods: automatic upgrade (recommended) and manual upgrade.
Automatic Upgrade (Recommended)
- Boot Tails from your USB.
- When a new version is available, you will see a notification.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to upgrade.
- Restart Tails.
Manual Upgrade
If the automatic upgrade fails, you can download a new ISO and create a new USB, then restore your persistence from a backup.
Important: Always back up your persistent storage before upgrading, especially if doing a manual upgrade.