I'm curious, how many gigabytes does the Bitcoin Core software occupy? It's essential for me to know this as I'm considering downloading it to my computer, but I want to make sure I have enough storage space. I've heard rumors that it can be quite hefty, so I'm looking for a definitive answer. Could you please provide me with an accurate figure? It would be greatly appreciated if you could also explain what factors might contribute to the size of the software and whether there are any ways to optimize its storage usage. Thank you in advance for your help.
6
answers
Claudio
Wed May 22 2024
Bitcoin Core necessitates a single download session for its complete blockchain data. This download is essential for users to engage in transactions and validate the network.
DavidLee
Wed May 22 2024
By default, storing this vast amount of data can be challenging as it accumulates to approximately 600GB. This can be quite burdensome for individuals with limited storage capacity.
MysticRainbow
Tue May 21 2024
However, Bitcoin Core offers a pruning feature that significantly reduces the storage requirements. When enabled, pruning allows users to keep only the essential data, reducing the total storage to as little as 10GB.
CherryBlossomBloom
Tue May 21 2024
Despite the reduced storage size, pruning does not compromise the security of the Bitcoin network. Users can still transact securely and validate the blockchain, ensuring the integrity of the system.
KimchiChic
Tue May 21 2024
Additionally, it's worth mentioning that the blockchain continues to grow over time, requiring regular updates. Users who enable pruning will still need to allocate an additional 5-10GB of storage space per month to accommodate these updates.