N0str is a free, open source Nostr relay for developers, self-hosters and anyone who wants to run their own node on the Nostr network. It focuses on simplicity: the project aims to stay easy to deploy while keeping the capabilities a working relay needs. If you are looking for N0str for Windows, know first that the project documents macOS, Linux and Docker as its main platforms, so a Windows build depends on what is currently published on the releases page.
The codebase is written in JavaScript and TypeScript, and the project describes itself as a single binary with very little setup friction. Its documentation also references the Lightning Network, which sits alongside Nostr in many projects that combine social posts with payments. The sections below explain what the program does, how to get it running on Windows, and how it differs from the desktop Nostr clients people often confuse with it.
What Is a Nostr Relay and Why It Matters
Nostr is an open protocol for social networking. Users create events, sign them with their keys and send them to relays. A relay is a server that receives those events, stores them and passes them on to anyone who asks for them through a compatible client.
Because anyone can run a relay, no single company controls the whole network. A person can publish to several relays at once, and a client can read from many of them. If one relay goes offline or stops accepting posts, the user's content may still exist elsewhere.
This design is the reason relay software exists as its own category. Operators choose which relays to run, how long to keep data and who can connect. N0str belongs to this group: it is the server side of the ecosystem, not the app people use to read timelines.
Who Should Run a Relay Like N0str
Developers are the most obvious audience. If you are building a Nostr client or a bot, a local relay gives you a predictable test environment where you can publish events, watch what happens and reset data without affecting public infrastructure.
Small communities also use relays to keep their conversations on infrastructure they control. Imagine a hobby group of twenty people who want a shared feed that does not depend on a third-party server. One operator can run a relay on a home machine, and members can point their clients to it.
Privacy-minded users sometimes run a personal relay for the same reason. Their posts still travel through the network, but they decide where the copies live. Running a relay is a commitment, though, and it suits people who are comfortable with basic server maintenance.
Common Misconceptions About Running a Relay
A relay is not the same as a wallet or an account. Your Nostr identity is tied to the keys you create in a client, and the relay does not replace them. Running a relay does not give you control over other people's accounts, and it does not make your own posts disappear from the wider network.
Another misunderstanding is that a relay runs in the background like a desktop app. It is a network service. It needs a stable connection, a clear address and enough storage to hold the events it receives. A machine that sleeps every night will make a poor relay, even if the software itself is lightweight.
Finally, running a relay does not bring income by default. Any money or rewards would depend on other services and decisions you make separately, and this page does not cover them.
Key features
Single Binary Deployment
Simplicity-First Design
Docker Option
Lightning Network Context
Open Source Code and Nightly Builds
Supported coins
The project documentation mentions the Lightning Network and Nostr. These are the networks the program is described in relation to, and they reflect how the wider ecosystem is usually discussed rather than a complete list of features.
How to install N0str on Windows
- 1
Choose the Right Release
Open the official N0str repository on GitHub or go to its Releases page. Look for a build labeled for Windows. If you only see the nightly tag, read the release notes first, because nightly builds are pre-release. If no Windows file is listed, skip to the Docker step below. Download only from the official website or GitHub, never from a mirror or a file-sharing site.
- 2
Verify the File
Check whether the release publishes a SHA-256 checksum or a signature. In PowerShell, run Get-FileHash followed by the file path with the SHA256 algorithm, then compare the output with the published value. If the values do not match, delete the file and download it again from the official source.
- 3
Place the Program in a Folder
Create a dedicated folder, such as C:\N0str, and move the file there. If the download is an archive, extract it first. Keeping the relay in its own folder makes it easier to back up data and to replace the binary when a new release arrives.
- 4
Start the Relay
Open Command Prompt or PowerShell in that folder and run the executable. Watch the console output for the address and port the relay listens on. Keep the window open while you test, because closing it stops the relay.
-
Run the Docker Alternative
If there is no Windows build, install Docker Desktop with WSL2 support and pull the N0str image from the project's documented source. Start a container, map the relay port to your host and confirm the container stays running. This route follows the documented Docker platform and keeps the host system cleaner.
How to use N0str
Once the relay is running, connect a Nostr client to it and confirm that events flow through. The steps below use a local test, which is the safest way to learn how a relay behaves.
- Start N0str with default settings and note the address and port it listens on.
- Leave the process running for a few minutes and check the console for repeated errors.
- Open a Nostr client such as Amethyst or Vega, go to its relay settings and add your local relay address.
- Publish a short test note from the client.
- Confirm the note appears in the client's view of that relay, then check it from a second device on your network.
- If you plan to share the relay publicly, place it behind a reverse proxy with HTTPS and use a secure WebSocket address. Test the connection again from outside your network.
- Keep a simple log of restarts and errors during the first week so you can spot patterns early.
Treat the first week as a trial. Once the relay behaves predictably, you can decide whether it deserves a permanent place on your server.
Pros & cons
- Distributed as a single binary, which keeps deployment simple
- Free and open source, with code available on GitHub
- Docker is a documented option for repeatable setups
- Simplicity is an explicit design goal
- Last code update is dated February 1, 2026, so the project is active
- Macos, Linux and Docker are the documented platforms, so Windows users may need an extra step
- Nightly builds can change quickly and may not suit production use
- Running a relay requires a machine that stays online and reliable bandwidth
- Beginners will still need basic server knowledge to share a relay publicly
Is N0str safe?
N0str is not a wallet or a miner, but a relay handles signed Nostr events, so treat the download with the same care as any server software. Get the program only from the official GitHub repository or the project's official releases page. Verify the file with the published SHA-256 checksum or signature before running it, and compare the hash in PowerShell with the value on the release page.
Antivirus tools sometimes flag new or unsigned binaries. If that happens, check the source and checksum first rather than turning protection off. Nightly builds are pre-release, so avoid them for any relay you depend on. The project's last code update is recent, but check the latest version on the official website before installing.
- Official source only. Download from github.com/tani/n0str. Ignore ads and lookalike domains.
- Check the SHA-256. Compare the installer hash with the value the developer publishes before running it.
- Never share your seed phrase. No developer, support agent or website — including CryptApps — will ever ask for it.
Alternatives
Most programs in the Nostr category are clients, meaning apps you use to read and publish posts. Amethyst, Vega, Nostrid, Nostrmo, Prettygood, Notedeck and the Nostr console client all sit on the user side of the network. Blockcore Notes works as a progressive web app. Each one answers a different question: how do I read and post?
N0str answers a different question: where do the events live? It is server software you run to host a relay. If you want a desktop app to post today, a client such as Vega or Nostrid is the more natural choice. If you want to host your own relay for a community or for testing, N0str is the tool to look at. Many people use both: a client to interact, and a relay they control to store the data.
Specifications
- Price
- Free
- Type
- Open source
- License
- —
- Latest version
- —
- Last update
- 1 Feb 2026
- Windows support
- Likely (builds for Windows; check releases)
- Source code
- github.com/tani/n0str
Frequently asked questions
The project documents macOS, Linux and Docker as its main platforms, and Windows builds are indicated, so check the releases page for a current Windows file. If none is listed, running the Docker image through Docker Desktop with WSL2 is the practical alternative. Always confirm the file's checksum before running it.
N0str is a free, open source Nostr relay built for simplicity. It stores and forwards signed Nostr events, so Nostr clients can connect to it. It is aimed at developers and people who want to host their own relay rather than rely on a shared public one.
It is open source, so its code is public for review, which is a good start. Safety depends mostly on where you get the file and whether you verify it. Use the official GitHub repository, check the SHA-256 checksum or signature, and keep the relay updated from trusted releases.
Yes. A relay stores and passes along events, but people read and post through clients. Once N0str is running, add its address in a client such as Amethyst or Vega to test it. Most users will interact with the relay through a client rather than directly.
The documentation mentions the Lightning Network alongside Nostr, so it is part of the context for the project. Treat that as background for the ecosystem rather than a promise of built-in payment features. Check the repository for the current details before relying on any payment workflow.
You need a machine that can stay online, reliable network access and enough storage for the events your relay receives. Because the program is distributed as a single binary, the install footprint is small. Docker is a good choice if you want isolation or easier upgrades.
The project's last code update is dated February 1, 2026, which indicates ongoing activity. Nightly builds are available for testing, while stable use depends on the release you choose. Look at the GitHub repository for recent commits before deploying it to a public server.
Verdict
N0str is a good fit for developers, small communities and privacy-minded users who want to host their own Nostr relay with minimal setup. Its single-binary design and Docker option keep deployment straightforward. If you mainly want a desktop app to read and post, choose a client such as Vega or Nostrid instead. Windows users should confirm that a current Windows build exists before committing, and should test the relay locally before sharing it with others.