Linux

How to Completely Remove Tor Browser from Linux Mint (XFCE)

If you installed Tor Browser manually on Linux Mint (XFCE) & want to remove it completely, the process is simple. Since Tor Browser is usually distributed as a standalone package (not installed system-wide), removal mainly involves deleting its folder & related desktop entries. This guide walks you through removing Tor Browser & cleaning up leftover files.

Scenario

If you previously moved the desktop launcher using:

mkdir -p ~/.local/share/applications

        mv ~/tor-browser/start-tor-browser.desktop ~/.local/share/applications/

        chmod +x ~/.local/share/applications/start-tor-browser.desktop

Then Tor was installed manually in your home directory. Follow the steps below to remove it completely.

Step 1: Remove the Tor Browser Folder

Tor Browser typically resides in your home directory. 1^st, check its exact name: ls ~ | grep tor

You might see something like: tor-browser or tor-browser_en-US

Remove it using: rm -rf ~/tor-browser

Replace the folder name if needed.

Step 2: Remove the Desktop Entry

Since you manually moved the launcher file, delete it:
rm ~/.local/share/applications/start-tor-browser.desktop

This removes Tor from your application menu.

Step 3: Remove Tor Browser Profile Data (Optional but Recommended)

Tor Browser stores user data & profiles in: ~/.local/share/torbrowser

To remove it: rm -rf ~/.local/share/torbrowser

This ensures no leftover configuration or browsing data remains.

Step 4: Verify Nothing Remains

To check for any remaining Tor-related files: ls -a ~ | grep tor

If nothing appears, Tor Browser has been fully removed.

Conclusion

Removing Tor Browser from Linux Mint is straightforward when installed manually. Since it does not modify system files by default, cleanup mainly involves deleting its folder, desktop entry & optional profile data.

With these steps completed, your system should be fully cleared of Tor Browser.