Install Bitcoin Core on Windows

Installation steps

1. 1

   Open the official download page

   Choose the current Windows release from bitcoincore.org. Do not use advertisements, mirrors or unsolicited links.

   Expected result: The download page lists platform files plus SHA256SUMS and SHA256SUMS.asc.

   Warning: Pause if the browser redirects to a different domain.

2. 2

   Download verification files

   Download SHA256SUMS and SHA256SUMS.asc beside the installer or archive.

   Expected result: All three files are in one folder.

3. 3

   Verify checksum and signatures

   Follow the Windows PowerShell checksum and GPG instructions displayed on the current download page. Compare the exact installer filename against SHA256SUMS.

   Expected result: The downloaded binary reports OK and signatures you deliberately trust validate the checksum file.

   Warning: Do not install when the checksum fails. Missing untrusted signer keys are different from a bad signature.

   Technical details

   Bitcoin Core releases use contributor-signed checksums. Follow the exact current commands on the download page because filenames and signer sets change.

4. 4

   Install Bitcoin Core

   Run the signed installer, review the publisher prompt and keep the default components unless you have a specific reason to change them.

   Expected result: Bitcoin Core or bitcoin-qt opens without an operating-system security warning you cannot explain.

5. 5

   Choose the data directory

   At first launch, choose the default AppData location or a dedicated SSD folder you control. Keep the path stable.

   Expected result: The selected SSD is writable and has enough space for the chosen storage mode.

   Warning: Do not choose a removable drive that may be disconnected while Core is running.

6. 6

   Choose archival or pruned mode

   Use archival mode if you need historical blocks and have adequate SSD capacity. Choose pruning to retain a configured amount of old block data while still validating the full chain.

   Expected result: The welcome screen reflects your storage choice.

   Technical details

   Pruning cannot provide discarded historical blocks to wallets, indexes or peers. Some later changes may require a re-download.

7. 7

   Launch and begin initial sync

   Confirm the settings and leave Bitcoin Core open. Keep the device awake, connected and safely powered.

   Expected result: The status shows headers or blocks increasing and active network connections.

8. 8

   Check sync and peers

   Use the GUI status indicators. Technical users can run getblockchaininfo and getnetworkinfo through bitcoin-cli.

   Expected result: Verification progress rises, initialblockdownload eventually becomes false, and connections is greater than zero.

   Technical details

   Do not compare height alone to an unknown website. Check recent block time, headers versus blocks and warnings together.

After installation

• Record where the data directory is located
• Allow normal shutdown to finish before powering off
• Keep the official download and security-announcement links bookmarked
• Continue to the Synchronise stage