Ravencoin Core is the original client for the Ravencoin network, built for people who want to run their own full node on Windows instead of trusting a remote server. It suits node operators, developers and holders who prefer to check the chain against a copy they control. Once running, the node follows the same consensus rules as the rest of the network.
The software is free, open source under the MIT license and available through winget, so it can be installed with a single command. The most recent code update dates to May 2024. Before installing, review the release page for newer builds and confirm the project still meets your needs, because a client that is not updated can fall behind network changes.
What Ravencoin Core Does on the Network
A blockchain is only as trustworthy as the number of independent copies that check it. Ravencoin Core is one of those copies. When it runs, it connects to other peers, downloads blocks and verifies every transaction against the network's consensus rules before accepting it.
That verification is the core job of a full node. Your node does not rely on someone else saying a payment is valid; it checks the history itself. Nodes also relay valid transactions and blocks to other peers, which helps information spread across the network.
Because this is the original client, its behavior serves as a practical reference for how the protocol is meant to work. Developers who build tools for the network can use a local node as a test environment.
Who Should Run a Node on Windows
Not everyone needs a full node. Casual holders who only want to check balances may be happier with a lighter tool. A full node makes more sense for a few specific groups.
Developers use a local node to test software, read raw blockchain data and confirm that their code handles real transactions correctly. Privacy-minded users avoid sending address queries to third-party explorers, because their own node can answer those questions directly.
Small operators who accept Ravencoin also benefit from checking deposits against their own copy of the chain. The trade-off is ongoing maintenance: the machine should stay online, have enough storage and receive updates. A dedicated PC is more reliable than a laptop that sleeps.
Key features
Full Node Operation
Open Source Under MIT
Supported coins
Ravencoin (RVN) is the network's native asset, and the client is built around it. The project's documentation also references Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), so check the current release notes for the exact scope before relying on either. Ledger hardware wallets are among the supported options.
How to install Ravencoin Core on Windows
PS> winget install RavenProject.RavenCore- 1
Install with winget
Open PowerShell or Windows Terminal and run: winget install RavenProject.RavenCore. Winget downloads and installs the program from its package source, so you do not need to hunt for installer files. When the command finishes, launch Ravencoin Core from the Start menu.
- 2
Or install manually from the official website
If you prefer a manual install, download the installer only from the official website at ravencoin.org or from the project's GitHub Releases page. Compare the SHA-256 checksum with the value published alongside the file before running it. Then follow the installer prompts.
-
Let the node synchronize
After first launch, allow the node time to download and verify the blockchain. Initial synchronization can take a long time and needs free disk space, so start it when you do not plan to shut down the computer. Check the release page periodically for updates.
How to use Ravencoin Core
Once installed, Ravencoin Core works best as a background service that stays online. Most users start it, wait for synchronization and then leave it running.
- Launch the program and let it connect to peers.
- Wait until the blockchain is fully synchronized; the status display shows progress.
- Check the peer count to confirm the node is exchanging data with the network.
- If you use a Ledger hardware wallet, connect the device and confirm every address and transaction on its screen.
- Keep the node running while you use it, and close it cleanly to avoid damaged data.
- Review the release page before each update and restart the program after installing a new version.
Pros & cons
- Free and open source under the MIT license
- Direct verification against your own copy of the chain
- Simple installation through winget
- Ledger hardware wallet support is listed
- Original reference client for the Ravencoin network
- Last code update dates to May 2024, so check activity before relying on it
- Running a full node needs ongoing disk space and an online machine
- Initial synchronization can take a long time
- Node terminology may be unfamiliar to beginners
Is Ravencoin Core safe?
Ravencoin Core is open source under the MIT license, so its code can be publicly reviewed. Download it only from the official website at ravencoin.org or the project's GitHub Releases page. Compare the SHA-256 checksum, or verify the signature if one is published, before running the installer. Never type your seed phrase into a third-party website, email or chat window, and be wary of copies offered through ads or unofficial mirrors. The most recent code update dates to May 2024, so the program may not reflect the latest network changes. Check the latest version on the official website before installing.
- Official source only. Download from ravencoin.org/wallet. 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
Ravencoin Core is the reference client for Ravencoin, so its main job is serving that network. The other node clients in this catalog target different chains. Geth and Erigon are Ethereum execution clients, with Erigon focused on performance, while Electrum Personal Server pairs a private server with the Electrum wallet. If your goal is Ravencoin, this client is the direct choice. The others make sense only if you work within those ecosystems.
Specifications
- Price
- Free
- Type
- Open source
- License
- MIT
- Latest version
- 4.6.1
- Last update
- 10 May 2024
- Windows support
- Yes (available via winget)
- Official site
- ravencoin.org/wallet
- Source code
- github.com/RavenProject/Ravencoin
- Install command
- winget install RavenProject.RavenCore
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Ravencoin Core is free and open source under the MIT license. You can install it with winget using the RavenProject.RavenCore package. No purchase or subscription is required, although running a node uses your own electricity, internet connection and disk space.
Ravencoin Core is available for Windows and can be installed with winget, which is included in recent versions of Windows 10 and Windows 11. For the best fit with your system, confirm details in the release notes of the version you download.
The software is open source, so its code can be reviewed publicly. Safety also depends on where you get the file. Use the official site or GitHub Releases, verify the SHA-256 checksum, and never share your seed phrase. Note that the last code update dates to May 2024.
Install the program, launch it and let it synchronize with the network. Keep it running while you want to stay connected, and use the status indicators to confirm sync progress and peer connections. Read a short primer on full nodes first, since the terminology and sync times can be unfamiliar.
Yes. Ledger hardware wallets are among the supported options for this client. Connect the device, keep its firmware updated, and confirm every address and transaction on the device screen. Never share your recovery words or enter them into a computer or website.
Alternatives depend on the chain you want to support. For Ethereum, Geth and Erigon are node clients listed in this catalog. For Electrum-based setups, Electrum Personal Server is an option. Ravencoin Core remains the direct choice if you want the original Ravencoin client.
Verdict
Ravencoin Core is the right choice for people who want to run the original Ravencoin client on Windows and keep their own copy of the chain. It is free, open source and easy to install with a single winget command. It is less suitable for anyone who wants a simple app for everyday payments, because node operation takes time, disk space and an always-on machine. The last code update dates to May 2024, so review the latest release before committing to it.