Tailscale: review, download and setup

What is Tailscale used for?

Tailscale helps to combine devices into a closed network, which the project calls tailnet. On computers and phones, the client is installed, then they are connected to the account of the organization or personal network. This approach is convenient for access to the home computer, server and work services without a separate setup of the VPN profile for each connection.

Before installation, determine the composition of the network: which devices belong to you, who you are going to invite and what resources they need access. Having a client on two computers does not create a file server or a remote desktop. The desired service should work on the target device and accept connections with the authorized rights.

Accessing devices and routing through a Tailscale exit node

The usual connection to tailnet and the use of the output node solve different tasks. In the first case, you turn to the resources of your network. Exit node allows you to send Internet traffic through the selected device. It must be provided and configured by the owner; the client does not assign you an arbitrary public server to exit.

In Windows, the app is available via the system tread. Check what network the input is made to, and check the list of connected devices. For a working server, use the necessary access restrictions, not shared access to all participants. If you invite a person for a while, write down in advance how to revoke his access after the task is completed.

Download Tailscale from the official website

Select the supported platform on the project page. The link leads to the selection of the distribution, and does not start the installation automatically.

Use the official download address. Check the signature or checksum if the project publishes one. Keep secret configuration files private when contacting support.

Getting started with Tailscale

1. Select the supported OS on the official Tailscale download page.
2. Install the client on two own devices and log in to one matched network.
3. Check the device names and accounts in the control interface.
4. Open the desired service at the address or device name in tailnet.
5. Limit access to participants on the work task; check it with the recipient's account.
6. If you need to access the Internet via another device, configure and select exit node by project manual.

Tailscale interface and illustrations

Interface screenshots

The origin of the images is indicated in the sources below. The interface of the installed version may differ.

TailscaleTailscale Menu in Windows System Tray

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1 of 1. Tailscale: Tailscale Menu in Windows System Tray

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Limitations and data protection in Tailscale

With Tailscale, you trust not only the device settings, but also the process of entry, participant management and network coordination. Protect your account with the second factor and check the list of devices. A remote or lost computer must be excluded from the permitted access.

Speed depends on the connection and network conditions. Test the application and its access restrictions directly. The Connected indicator alone cannot show whether a private service works. Check current plan terms and administrative features with the project.

Alternatives for related tasks

For completely self-management of the keys and VPN node, compare Tailscale with WireGuard. If the organization has already issued a .ovpn profile, use the compatible OpenVPN Connect. A SSH client like PuTTY can run on top of tailnet: it is responsible for the terminal session, and Tailscale provides a network path to the server.

Documentation and images