dash-docs/en/bitcoin-core/features/requirements.md

layout	lang	columns	id	title	breadcrumbs
base-core	en	1	bitcoin-core-requirements	Requirements And Warnings - Bitcoin Core	bitcoin bcc bcc features Requirements

Bitcoin Core Requirements And Warnings

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Bitcoin Core gives you increased [security][bcc validation] and [privacy][bcc privacy] at a cost. You need to take responsibility for the security of your bitcoins, meet higher minimum system requirements, and beware of some possible problems.

No matter what Bitcoin software you use, you should never buy more bitcoins than you can afford to lose. Bitcoin is still an experimental system and bitcoins remain a risky investment.

Wallet Responsibility Checklist

Bitcoin Core puts you in charge of your wallet, which means your bitcoins are at risk unless you complete certain tasks:

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• Backup your keys

• Make sure your wallet is secure

• Setup an offline wallet (cold storage) for significant amounts of bitcoins

• Watch for security notifications

• Allow your heirs to receive your bitcoins if you die or become incapacitated

If you need help with any step, please ask for assistance in any of Bitcoin's [friendly forums][bcc forums] or [live chatrooms][bcc live help].

System Requirements

{% assign DISK=' Disk space
' %} {% assign DOWNLOAD=' Download
' %} {% assign UPLOAD=' Upload
' %} {% assign MEMORY=' Memory (RAM)
' %} {% assign SYSTEM=' System
' %} {% assign OS=' Operating system
' %} {% assign FOOTNOTE='' %} {% capture INITIAL_DOWNLOAD %} Plus a one-time {{site.text.chain_gb}} GB download the first time you start Bitcoin Core.{% endcapture %}

Bare Minimum (With Default Settings)

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• {{DISK}} {{site.text.bitcoin_datadir_gb}} GB

• {{DOWNLOAD}} 250 MB/day (8 GB/month){{FOOTNOTE}}

• {{UPLOAD}} 5 GB/day (150 GB/month)

• {{MEMORY}} 512 MB

• {{SYSTEM}} Desktop<br

  Laptop<br [Some ARM chipsets][wiki bitcoin core compatible devices arm] >1 GHz

• {{OS}} Windows 7/8.x<br

  Mac OS X<br Linux<br Some BSDs

{{INITIAL_DOWNLOAD}}

Bare Minimum (With Custom Settings)

{:.fa-ul}

• {{DISK}} {{site.text.bitcoin_datadir_gb_pruned}} GB

• {{DOWNLOAD}} 150 MB/day (5 GB/month){{FOOTNOTE}}

• {{UPLOAD}} 10 MB/day (300 MB/month)

• {{MEMORY}} 256 MB

• {{SYSTEM}} Desktop<br

  Laptop<br [Most ARM chipsets][wiki bitcoin core compatible devices arm]

• {{OS}} Windows 7/8.x<br

  Mac OS X<br Linux<br Some BSDs

{{INITIAL_DOWNLOAD}}

Learn more: [Bitcoin Core configuration options][bcc configuration]

Minimum Recommended

{:.fa-ul}

• {{DISK}} {{site.text.bitcoin_datadir_gb}} GB

• {{DOWNLOAD}} 500 MB/day (15 GB/month){{FOOTNOTE}}

• {{UPLOAD}} 5 GB/day (150 GB/month)

• {{MEMORY}} 1 GB

• {{SYSTEM}} Desktop<br

  Laptop<br [Some ARM chipsets][wiki bitcoin core compatible devices arm] >1 GHz

• {{OS}} Windows 7/8.x/10<br

  Mac OS X<br Linux

{{INITIAL_DOWNLOAD}}

Possible Problems

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By default, you need to backup Bitcoin Core after every 100 transactions. This includes both transactions you send as well as payments you request (whether or not you actually received the payment).

For example, you need to backup after sending 33 payments and requesting 67 payments (even though you only received 60 payments).

Bitcoin Core can be configured to allow you to go more transactions between backups. See the [-keypool setting][bcc configuration].

Anyone who gets access to your wallet can steal your bitcoins. The first line of defense against this is encrypting your wallet, an option from the File menu in the graphical interface.

However, encrypting may not be enough if your computer becomes infected by malware. Learn about offline wallets for security against this type of attack.

In addition to securing your wallet, you also need to keep your backups secure. Anyone who gets access to them can also steal your bitcoins.

Learn more: [secure your wallet][]

Computers that connect to the Internet are frequently hacked or infected with bitcoin-stealing malware. Computers that never connect to the Internet are a much more secure location for your bitcoins.

Bitcoin Core can be run on an always-offline computer, creating an offline wallet (also called a cold wallet). The offline wallet will securely store the private keys, while a separate online Bitcoin Core wallet will send and receive transactions.

Learn more: [Creating and signing offline transactions][offline transactions]

Your Bitcoin wallet isn't like a bank account---it won't automatically go to your heirs if you die or become disabled.

You have to plan ahead and make sure there is a way for your heirs to access your wallet backups when you're no longer available.

Learn more: [Estate planning: how can I ensure my bitcoins are inheritable?][inherit bitcoins]

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