> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/bitcoin/bitcoin/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Running Bitcoin Core

> Learn how to run bitcoind and bitcoin-qt on different platforms

Bitcoin Core provides multiple ways to run a full node. You can use the graphical interface (bitcoin-qt) or run it as a headless daemon (bitcoind).

## Choosing Your Client

Bitcoin Core offers three main commands:

* **bitcoin-qt** - Full graphical user interface
* **bitcoind** - Headless daemon for servers and automation
* **bitcoin** - Wrapper command that supports subcommands like `bitcoin gui`, `bitcoin node`, and `bitcoin rpc`

<Info>
  The `bitcoin` wrapper command provides a unified interface. List all available subcommands with `bitcoin help`.
</Info>

## Running on Different Platforms

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Unix/Linux">
    Unpack the files into a directory and run:

    ```bash theme={null}
    # GUI client
    bin/bitcoin-qt

    # Headless daemon
    bin/bitcoind

    # Using the wrapper
    bin/bitcoin gui
    bin/bitcoin node
    ```

    <Steps>
      <Step title="Extract the archive">
        ```bash theme={null}
        tar -xzf bitcoin-*.tar.gz
        cd bitcoin-*/
        ```
      </Step>

      <Step title="Run the client">
        Choose your preferred interface and start Bitcoin Core:

        ```bash theme={null}
        ./bin/bitcoind -daemon
        ```
      </Step>

      <Step title="Verify it's running">
        Check that the daemon is running:

        ```bash theme={null}
        ./bin/bitcoin-cli getblockchaininfo
        ```
      </Step>
    </Steps>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Windows">
    <Steps>
      <Step title="Extract files">
        Unpack the downloaded archive to a directory of your choice.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Run Bitcoin Core">
        Double-click `bitcoin-qt.exe` to launch the graphical interface.

        For the daemon version, open Command Prompt and run:

        ```cmd theme={null}
        bitcoind.exe
        ```
      </Step>
    </Steps>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="macOS">
    <Steps>
      <Step title="Install application">
        Drag Bitcoin Core to your Applications folder.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Launch Bitcoin Core">
        Open Bitcoin Core from your Applications folder or Launchpad.
      </Step>
    </Steps>

    For command-line usage:

    ```bash theme={null}
    /Applications/Bitcoin-Qt.app/Contents/MacOS/Bitcoin-Qt
    ```
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## First Run Setup

On first launch, Bitcoin Core will:

1. Prompt you to choose a data directory location
2. Begin downloading and verifying the blockchain
3. Create a wallet (optional)

<Warning>
  Bitcoin Core downloads and stores the entire blockchain history. This requires several hundred gigabytes of disk space. Make sure you have adequate storage before starting.
</Warning>

## Common Configuration Options

You can customize Bitcoin Core's behavior using command-line options or a `bitcoin.conf` configuration file.

### Data Directory

Specify where blockchain data is stored:

```bash theme={null}
bitcoind -datadir=/path/to/data
```

### Network Selection

Run on different networks:

```bash theme={null}
# Testnet
bitcoind -testnet

# Signet
bitcoind -signet

# Regtest (for development)
bitcoind -regtest
```

### Daemon Mode

Run bitcoind in the background:

```bash theme={null}
bitcoind -daemon
```

Then interact with it using:

```bash theme={null}
bitcoin-cli getblockchaininfo
bitcoin-cli help
```

## Stopping Bitcoin Core

Gracefully shut down the node:

```bash theme={null}
bitcoin-cli stop
```

Or from the GUI: File → Exit

<Warning>
  Always shut down Bitcoin Core gracefully. Forced termination may corrupt the database and require reindexing.
</Warning>

## Getting Help

If you encounter issues:

* **Bitcoin Wiki**: [en.bitcoin.it/wiki](https://en.bitcoin.it/wiki/Main_Page)
* **Bitcoin StackExchange**: [bitcoin.stackexchange.com](https://bitcoin.stackexchange.com)
* **IRC**: #bitcoin on Libera Chat ([web.libera.chat](https://web.libera.chat/#bitcoin))
* **Forums**: [bitcointalk.org](https://bitcointalk.org/) Technical Support board

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Initial Block Download" icon="download" href="/operations/initial-block-download">
    Understand the IBD process and what to expect
  </Card>

  <Card title="Performance Optimization" icon="gauge-high" href="/operations/performance-optimization">
    Tune your node for better performance
  </Card>

  <Card title="Pruning" icon="scissors" href="/operations/pruning">
    Reduce disk space requirements
  </Card>

  <Card title="Configuration" icon="sliders" href="/configuration/bitcoin-conf">
    Learn about bitcoin.conf options
  </Card>
</CardGroup>