Updated Instructions: How to Run a Full Node

Why is running a full bitcoin node important?

Full nodes help enforce the consensus rules of the Bitcoin network. When a full node client is running, it downloads every new block and every new transaction and checks them to make sure they are valid. Here are some examples of consensus rules, though there are many more:

Blocks may only create a certain number of bitcoins.
Transactions must have correct signatures for the bitcoins being spent.
Transactions/blocks must be in the correct data format.
Within the block chain, a transaction output cannot be double-spent.

Read more about what a full node is, the consensus rules above and other incentives for supporting the network in the Bitcoin Wiki.

Minimum Requirements

Bitcoin Core full nodes have certain requirements. If you try running a node on weak hardware, it may work — but you’ll likely spend more time dealing with issues. If you can meet the following requirements, you’ll have an easy-to-use node.

Desktop or laptop hardware running recent versions of Windows, Mac OS X, or Linux.
125GB of free disk space (size of the blockchain plus room to grow)
2GB of memory (RAM)
A broadband Internet connection with upload speeds of at least 400 kilobits (50 kilobytes) per second
An unmetered connection, a connection with high upload limits, or a connection you regularly monitor to ensure it doesn’t exceed its upload limits. It’s common for full nodes on high-speed connections to use 200GB in uploads or more a month. Download usage is around 20GB/month, plus around an additional 100GB the first time you start your node.
6 hours/day that your full node can be left running. (You can do other things with your computer while running a full node.) More hours would be better, and best of all would be if you can run your node continuously.

Note: many operating systems today (Windows, Mac, and Linux) enter a low-power mode after the screensaver activates, slowing or halting network traffic. This is often the default setting on laptops and on all Mac OS X laptops and desktops. Check your screensaver settings and disable automatic “sleep” or “suspend” options to ensure you support the network whenever your computer is running.

What to do if you need help

Please seek out assistance in the community if you need help setting up your full node correctly to handle high-value and privacy-sensitive tasks. Do your own diligence to ensure who you get help from is ethical, reputable and qualified to assist you.

Acknowledgments

A special thanks goes to the contributors (in no preferential order) who have worked to improve this page over time:

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