Stack Wallet is a fully open-source cryptocurrency wallet for Windows, designed for people who want to hold several coins in one place without a steep learning curve. It suits beginners who are just starting with crypto as well as experienced users who want a transparent, auditable tool they can read the code of.
The wallet focuses on a clean user interface and fast transactions. Its developers describe it as ideal for anyone regardless of how much they know about the crypto space, and the project is actively maintained with new user-friendly features added over time. Because the code is public under the GPL-3.0 license, anyone can inspect how the wallet handles keys and transactions.
What Is Stack Wallet and Who Is It For?
Stack Wallet is a desktop wallet, meaning it runs on your own computer rather than on a website or with a custodian holding your funds. You control the private keys that give access to your coins, which is the core idea behind a non-custodial wallet.
The wallet suits several kinds of users. Beginners can use it to take their first steps in crypto with a gentle learning curve. Holders of multiple coins benefit from having several networks in one application. Privacy-minded users can make use of the coins with stronger transaction privacy features.
How a Multi-Currency Wallet Works
A multi-currency wallet stores the keys for several blockchains and presents them in one interface. Each blockchain still operates on its own network with its own rules, so the wallet must understand the differences between coins to build and sign transactions correctly.
When you send coins, the wallet creates a transaction, signs it with your private key and broadcasts it to the network. The network then validates and records the transfer. Understanding this flow helps explain why you should protect your seed phrase and never share it.
Understanding the Seed Phrase
Most non-custodial wallets generate a seed phrase, a list of words that can recreate all of your private keys. Anyone who obtains this phrase can take control of your funds, so it must be stored offline and kept private.
Write the phrase down on paper and store it somewhere secure. Do not photograph it, paste it into a text file on your computer or save it in cloud storage. Losing the phrase means losing access to the wallet, so make sure you have a reliable backup before you deposit significant amounts.
Common Use Cases for a Desktop Crypto Wallet
Many people use a desktop wallet to receive payments, hold long-term positions or move coins between exchanges and personal storage. A desktop application gives you direct control over transactions without relying on a browser extension or a phone that may be less secure.
Another common scenario is consolidating holdings. If your coins are spread across several platforms, a single wallet lets you view balances in one place and manage them with a consistent process. Always test with a small amount first when you learn a new interface.
Key features
Support for many cryptocurrencies
Privacy-oriented coin support
Simple, approachable interface
Fully open source code
Free to use
Easy installation via Scoop
Supported coins
Stack Wallet supports 23 different cryptocurrencies. Documentation mentions a range of networks, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Monero (XMR), Dogecoin (DOGE), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Solana (SOL), Cardano (ADA), Stellar (XLM), Dash, Tezos, Firo, Nano, Peercoin and Namecoin. Coverage of individual assets can change between releases, so check the official website for the current list before you rely on a specific network.
How to install Stack Wallet on Windows
PS> scoop install stack-wallet- 1
Install with Scoop
If you already use the Scoop package manager, open PowerShell and run the command scoop install stack-wallet. Scoop downloads the application and places it in your user environment, which makes later updates simple.
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Download from the official source
If you do not use Scoop, go to the official website at stackwallet.com or the Releases page of the project on GitHub. Download the Windows installer only from these locations and avoid mirror sites or links shared in chats.
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Verify the file
Compare the SHA-256 checksum of the downloaded file with the value published by the project. On Windows, you can run certutil -hashfile followed by the file name in PowerShell or Command Prompt. If the hashes do not match, do not run the file.
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Run the installer
Launch the installer and follow the on-screen prompts. Choose an install location, create a desktop shortcut if you want one, and complete the setup. Keep the wallet updated to receive the latest fixes.
System requirements
- Windows operating system with support for the current wallet release
- Sufficient free disk space for the application and local blockchain-related data
- A stable internet connection for syncing and broadcasting transactions
How to use Stack Wallet
Setting up Stack Wallet is straightforward once the application is installed. Take your time on the first run, especially when handling the seed phrase, because that step determines whether you can recover your funds later.
- Open Stack Wallet and choose to create a new wallet, or restore an existing one if you already have a seed phrase.
- Write down the seed phrase on paper exactly as shown, in the correct order, and store the paper offline in a secure place.
- Confirm the seed phrase when the wallet asks you to, so you know the backup was recorded correctly.
- Select the coins you want to use and let the wallet load their addresses and balances.
- To receive funds, copy the receiving address for the correct network. Double-check the network before sharing it with a sender.
- To send funds, enter the recipient address, the amount and the network fee, then review the details carefully before confirming.
- Wait for the transaction to be confirmed on the blockchain, which can take varying amounts of time depending on the coin and network conditions.
Pros & cons
- Open-source code under GPL-3.0 allows independent review
- Supports 23 cryptocurrencies in one application
- Free to use with no paid tier mentioned
- Simple interface suitable for beginners
- Includes support for privacy-focused coins such as Monero and Firo
- Installable through Scoop for command-line users
- Coverage of specific coins may change between releases
- Windows-only availability is not described; check platform support on the official site
- As with any non-custodial wallet, losing your seed phrase means losing access to funds
- Advanced features for power users may be more limited than in specialized tools
Is Stack Wallet safe?
Stack Wallet is open source, which makes it easier to verify its behavior, but safety still depends on how you install and use it. Download only from the official website at stackwallet.com or the GitHub Releases page of the project, and avoid third-party download sites. Check the SHA-256 checksum of the installer against the published value before running it. Never enter your seed phrase on any website or into any program other than the wallet itself, and be wary of anyone who asks for it, including people claiming to be support staff. Store your seed phrase offline, ideally in more than one secure location. Antivirus software is a useful layer of protection, so keep it active and do not disable it to install the wallet.
- Official source only. Download from stackwallet.com. 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
Stack Wallet competes with several other wallets that serve different needs. Coin Wallet focuses on a multi-currency experience as well, so the choice often comes down to which coins you hold and how you prefer the interface to look. Cake Wallet is also open source and non-custodial, and it is known for privacy-oriented coin support, which makes it a close alternative for users who prioritize that area. Electrum-NMC and Electron Cash are lightweight wallets built around single networks, Namecoin and Bitcoin Cash respectively, and they suit people who only need one chain. Daedalus is built for Cardano. If you hold several coins and want them in one open-source application, Stack Wallet is a strong candidate. If you need a deep focus on one network, a specialized wallet may serve you better.
Specifications
- Price
- Free
- Type
- Open source
- License
- GPL-3.0
- Latest version
- 2.7.1
- Last update
- 29 Oct 2026
- Windows support
- Yes (available via Scoop)
- Official site
- stackwallet.com
- Source code
- github.com/cypherstack/stack_wallet
- Install command
- scoop install stack-wallet
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Stack Wallet is free. It is distributed as open-source software under the GPL-3.0 license, and no paid tier or subscription is mentioned in its distribution. You can download it, install it and manage your coins without paying the developers for the application itself.
Stack Wallet supports 23 different cryptocurrencies. These include widely used networks such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin and Solana, as well as privacy-focused coins like Monero and Firo. Support can change between releases, so review the official website for the current coin list.
Stack Wallet is open source, so its code is publicly available for review, which is a positive factor. Safety still depends on your habits. Download only from the official website or GitHub, verify the SHA-256 checksum, and keep your seed phrase offline and private.
Stack Wallet is a non-custodial wallet, so your keys are generated and stored on your own device. You do not need to hand your funds to a third party. Protecting your seed phrase is the most important step, since it is what allows you to recover access to your coins.
You can install Stack Wallet with the Scoop package manager by running scoop install stack-wallet in PowerShell. Alternatively, download the installer from the official website or the GitHub Releases page, verify its checksum and run it. Avoid files from unofficial sources.
Yes, if you have your seed phrase. Install the wallet on a new device, choose the option to restore an existing wallet and enter the seed phrase exactly as you saved it. Without the seed phrase, recovery is generally not possible, which is why secure backup matters so much.
No. An exchange holds coins on your behalf, while Stack Wallet lets you control your own private keys. This difference means you are responsible for security, but you also avoid relying on a company to keep your funds accessible.
Verdict
Stack Wallet is a good choice for people who want an open-source, free, multi-currency wallet with a clean interface. Beginners holding several coins will find it approachable, and privacy-minded users get access to notable coins such as Monero and Firo. Its transparency is a real advantage, but the security of your funds rests on careful backup and safe downloads. Before committing significant amounts, test the wallet with a small transfer and confirm the latest version on the official website.