2. Tails
3. wiki/src/doc/persistent_storage/use.*.po
4. English
5. Zen

[[!meta title="Unlocking and using the Persistent Storage"]]

To unlock your Persistent Storage and use the data that is stored in it:

When starting Tails, in the **Persistent Storage** section of the [[Welcome Screen|first_steps/welcome_screen]], enter your passphrase and click **Unlock Encryption**.

[[!img first_steps/welcome_screen/unlock_persistent_storage.png link="no" class="screenshot" alt=""]]

Start Tails.

The data corresponding to each feature of the Persistent Storage that is turned on is automatically available. For example:

Your personal files in the *Persistent* folder are accessible from **Places** ▸ **Persistent**, if the [[Persistent Folder|configure#persistent_folder]] feature is turned on.

Your persistent bookmarks are available in *Tor Browser*, if the [[Tor Browser Bookmarks|configure#bookmarks]] feature is turned on.

Your [[Additional Software|additional_software]] packages are automatically installed when starting Tails, if the [[Additional Software|configure#additional_software]] feature is turned on.

<a id="read-only"></a>

<div class="caution">

<p>Tails cannot use a read-only Persistent Storage. If your Tails USB stick has a read-only switch, ensure it is in the read-write position.</p>

</div>