Tor Browser 12.0.4 for Windows was released on March 18, 2023, as a critical security and stability update. It primarily updated the underlying browser engine to Firefox 102.9.0esr to address multiple vulnerabilities. Major Changes in 12.0.4
Security Fixes: Includes backported Android-specific security updates from Firefox 111 and the base Firefox 102.9esr patches. Component Updates: Features NoScript 11.4.18 and Go 1.19.7.
Bug Fixes: Resolved issues where NoScript could be accidentally removed or disabled and addressed localization bugs for Spanish (ES) bridge-emoji tooltips. Downloading Older Versions
While it is not recommended to use outdated browsers due to unpatched security risks, users often seek older versions like 12.0.4 for compatibility with legacy systems (e.g., Windows 7 or 8.1).
You can find the official archive and third-party mirrors here:
Official Archive: The Tor Project Package Archive contains the most reliable historical files.
Third-Party Mirrors: Sites like FileHippo and Softonic maintain historical version lists for Windows users. Support Status Warning
As of March 2026, the Tor Project has officially ended support for legacy operating systems like Windows 7, 8, and 8.1. These systems can only run up to version 13.5.29; newer stable versions (v15.0+) require Windows 10 or 11.
Are you trying to run Tor on a specific older version of Windows? AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more New Release: Tor Browser 12.0.4
Security Warning: Using older versions of Tor Browser (including 12.0.4) is not recommended for actual browsing. Older versions contain known security vulnerabilities that have been patched in newer releases. Tor Project strongly advises always using the latest stable version.
What version 12.0.4 was: Released around early 2023, this version was based on Firefox ESR 102 and included updates to NoScript, HTTPS-Only Mode, and various security fixes from its predecessors.
Legitimate use cases for old versions:
Where to find old versions (for legitimate research):
archive.torproject.orgImportant note: I cannot and will not provide direct download links or encourage using outdated software for live browsing, as this puts you at risk of deanonymization, exploits, and other security issues.
If you need version 12.0.4 for legitimate research purposes, I recommend:
Tor Browser version 12.0.4, released on March 18, 2023, is an older stable version of the privacy-focused web browser. While it was a significant release for its time, it has since been superseded by newer versions like Tor Browser 15.0.9 (April 2026). Key Features of Version 12.0.4
Firefox Base: Built on Firefox 102.9.0esr, providing improved stability and security over previous 11.x versions.
Multi-Locale Support: Introduced a single bundle for all supported languages, allowing users to switch display languages in settings without downloading a new installer.
Native Apple Silicon Support: While relevant to Mac, the 12.0 series was the first to support ARM64 natively.
Component Updates: Included updates to NoScript 11.4.18 and Go 1.19.7. Compatibility and Risk
Security Vulnerabilities: Using older versions like 12.0.4 is generally discouraged by the Tor Project because they do not receive critical security patches found in the latest versions. Legacy OS Support:
Versions in the 12.0 series were some of the last to support Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 before official support for these systems ended.
The final "legacy" path for these OS users was Tor Browser 13.5, which reached its end-of-life in March 2026. Tor Browser 12.0.4 Older Versions for Windows
Current Recommendations: For modern security, it is strongly recommended to use Windows 10 or 11 with the latest stable Tor Browser release. Where to Find Older Versions
If you require this specific version for research or testing, it can often be found on third-party archives, though users should be cautious of "repacked" versions that may contain malware: Tor Browser 12.0.4 Older Versions For Windows [repack]
Here are a few options for drafting text regarding Tor Browser 12.0.4 for Windows, depending on where you intend to use it (e.g., a software archive, a release announcement, or a download page).
To help you decide whether to hunt down the older version, here is a technical comparison for Windows:
| Feature | Tor Browser 12.0.4 | Tor Browser 13.5+ (Current) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Firefox Base | ESR 102 (Discontinued) | ESR 115 (Extended Support) | | Windows Support | Windows 7, 8.1, 10, 11 | Windows 10, 11 only | | Performance on old HW | High (Fast on 2GB RAM) | Low (Requires 4GB+ RAM) | | Security Patches | None (Archival only) | Full (Weekly updates) | | Tor Daemon Version | 0.4.7.x | 0.4.8.x (Faster, more secure) | | Circuit Display | Classic button | Redesigned with more metrics | | v3 Onion Services | Supported | Better support with longer keys |
If you have already installed 12.0.4, you may encounter these problems:
Problem: "Your clock is wrong" errors.
Solution: Tor 12.0.4 uses a stricter tolerance for TLS certificates. Sync via w32tm /resync or manually adjust your BIOS clock.
Problem: Website says "SSL_ERROR_UNSUPPORTED_VERSION."
Solution: Older browsers don't support TLS 1.3 cipher suites used by some CDNs (Cloudflare). Go to about:config and toggle security.tls.version.max from 4 to 3 (forces TLS 1.2).
Problem: The browser crashes on launch (Windows 10/11).
Solution: 12.0.4 lacks compatibility for Windows 11's memory management. Right-click the .exe > Properties > Compatibility > Run as Windows 8.
The Tor Project maintains a repository of past versions of the Tor Browser on their official website. Here's how you can find and download Tor Browser 12.0.4 for Windows:
Visit the Tor Project's Website: Go to the Tor Project's download page. Tor Browser 12
Navigate to Past Releases: Look for a link or a section that refers to "Past releases" or "Archives." This might be located at the bottom of the page or through a link in the menu.
Find the Specific Version: Once you're in the archives or past releases section, look for Tor Browser 12.0.4. The versions are usually listed in chronological order.
Select the Correct Architecture: Make sure to select the version that is compatible with your Windows architecture (32-bit or 64-bit).
Download: Click on the link to download Tor Browser 12.0.4 for Windows.
Tor Browser 12.0.4 was a stable release made available by the Tor Project in late 2022 and early 2023. Built upon Firefox Extended Support Release (ESR) version 102, this version was designed to bridge the gap between the older Firefox 91 ESR (used in Tor Browser 11.x) and the modern Tor Browser 13.0 series.
For Windows users, Tor Browser 12.0.4 arrived with several key features:
Despite being an "older version," 12.0.4 represented a mature point in the Tor Browser lifecycle, free from the early bugs of the 13.0 series but newer than the deprecated 11.x line.
| Use Case | Better Solution | |----------|----------------| | Testing a hidden service | Tor 0.4.7.x standalone (not Tor Browser) | | Bypassing censorship | Latest Tor Browser + built-in bridges | | Very old Windows (7/8) | Latest Tor Browser (works until 2024 on Win7) |
Before you download torbrowser-install-12.0.4_en-US.exe, you must understand the dangers. The Tor Project explicitly warns against using outdated versions.
.exe and its .asc signature file (same directory in archive).gpg --auto-key-locate nodefault,wkd --locate-keys torbrowser@torproject.orggpg --verify torbrowser-install-win64-12.0.4_en-US.exe.ascIf verification fails – do not run the file.