A Comprehensive Guide to Setting Up a Bitcoin Node

Bitcoin, the world’s oldest blockchain, allows its community to participate in various activities, from inscribing NFTs to mining. Are you looking to take part in network activities on Bitcoin? If so, stick around! We will teach you how to set up a Bitcoin node on your computer.

Bitcoin Node Defined

While all miners are regarded as nodes, not every node is a miner. Bitcoin nodes validate transactions and have the ability to operate on any computer that has adequate capacity to maintain a copy of the Bitcoin network. As of April 2024, Bitcoin’s ledger is reported to be weighing in at roughly 500 GB.

How to Get Started With Bitcoin Core

In this guide, we will demonstrate the process of setting up a Bitcoin Node on a computer running on Windows 11. First things first, you will need Umbrel or Bitcoin Core software. The two allow you to break down the copy of the Bitcoin network into a smaller size. Let’s show you how to set up Bitcoin Code first.

You don’t need coding experience to use Bitcoin Core software. It is worth mentioning that this software is available on other operating systems like Linux and MacOS.

Once you download the Bitcoin Code, choose the folder in which you wish to install the software. Make sure the folder is in the drive you want to store the data for your node and other installation files. Moreover, the drive should have enough storage capacity, preferably 600 GB or more, to ensure all the blockchain data is downloaded.

Note that if you want to minimize the amount of blockchain data to be stored in your drive, you can use the “Limit Blockchain Storage to” option. This lets you specify the capacity you wish to allocate for data storage. Once done, click the “OK” button. You should be able to see the blockchain data under the “Bitcoin” name in the folder in which you choose to store the files.

Next, click “Finish” on the Bitcoin Core to complete the setup. The software will start loading block data in order to validate transactions. If this happens, it indicates that your Bitcoin Core has successfully synchronized with the Bitcoin blockchain. The software usually validates all processed transaction blocks since 2009, when Bitcoin went live. This process takes approximately two days to complete, but it could take longer if your computer is slow.

Once the validation process is complete, your node will be ready for use. Moreover, you will have a newly created Bitcoin wallet to store your rewards.

Getting Started With Umbrel

Given the complexities around Umbrel, the software is recommended to experienced crypto users. Like Bitcoin Core, Umbrel is available on Linux, MacOS, and Windows.

There are some things you must add to run Umbrel on Windows. Since the software operates on Ubuntu, adding Linux to your Windows computer is the first step. To do this, use the Subsystem for Linux and run the command prompt as an administrator. When the terminal opens, key in “wsl.exe-install” in the command line. Ubuntu will start to install on your personal computer. Upon installation, reboot the computer, and once it opens again, an Ubuntu window will be displayed, asking you to create login details. To update the credentials, type “sudo apt update” in the command line. Your Ubuntu should be ready at this point.

Next, go to the terminal window for Umbrel and type “curl-L umbrel.sh|bash” to start installing Umbrel. You will be notified within a few minutes if the software is successfully installed. A URL will also be provided. Click on it to view the Umbrel desktop screen. Next, press “Start” to create your username and provide a unique password. After that, hit “Next” and install Bitcoin Node” to start synchronizing your Umbrel with the Bitcoin network. Unlike Bitcoin Core, Umbrel does not require you to validate all old blocks. Simply click the “Prune Old Blocks” button to exclude them.

After completing the validation process, your personal computer will be part of the approximately 20,000 nodes securing the Bitcoin blockchain.