æternity is an open source node client for the æternity blockchain, aimed at developers, operators and technically minded users who want to run their own node rather than depend on someone else's. It is free to use and released under the ISC license, with source code published on GitHub. Its documentation covers Windows alongside Linux and Docker.
The current release is v7.3.0-rc11, a release candidate, so treat it as a pre-release rather than a finished stable build. The repository was last updated in September 2026, which shows active maintenance. Windows is listed as a platform, but it has not been formally verified, so test carefully before relying on it for anything important.
What a Blockchain Node Client Does
A node client keeps a copy of a blockchain, checks incoming blocks and transactions against the protocol rules, and shares data with other peers. Running one means your machine verifies the chain itself instead of trusting a third party's answer.
Some operators also use nodes to submit transactions or to provide chain data to their own applications.
Who Runs an æternity Node
Node operators tend to be developers testing applications, teams hosting services, or enthusiasts who want a personal view of the chain. Each group needs a machine that stays online, enough disk space for chain data, and patience with configuration files.
A node is rarely a casual one-click install, so plan time for setup before you depend on it.
Key Concepts: Sync, Peers and Configuration
Initial synchronization downloads and verifies the chain history, which can take time and disk space. Peers are other nodes your client connects to for data.
Configuration files control ports, data paths and network settings. Reading the node documentation before the first launch saves trouble later.
Key features
Open Source Code
ISC License
Multiple Platforms
How to install æternity on Windows
- 1
Get the official build
Download the release from the official website or the GitHub Releases page for the project. Avoid mirrors and links shared in chats, and download only from the official website or repository.
- 2
Verify the file
Compare the SHA-256 checksum of the downloaded archive with the value published by the project, or check the signature if one is provided. Do not run the installer if the values do not match.
-
Install and read the documentation
Extract the archive or run the installer, then follow the node documentation for Windows configuration, data directory and startup settings. Start with default settings on a test machine before moving to a production setup.
How to use æternity
Running an æternity node is a longer process than launching a typical desktop app. Once installed, follow the documentation to configure the node and start it, then leave it running while it synchronizes.
- Create a data directory on a drive with enough free space.
- Edit the configuration file to set ports, peers and log options as described in the documentation.
- Start the node from a terminal so you can read the startup messages.
- Wait for synchronization to finish and check the logs for errors.
- Before replacing the running version, review new releases and their change notes.
Pros & cons
- Free to use under the permissive ISC license
- Source code is public on GitHub
- Documentation covers Windows, Linux and Docker
- Suits developers who want to run their own node
- Windows support is listed but not formally verified
- Latest build is a release candidate, not a stable release
- Requires comfort with configuration files and terminal-based workflows
Is æternity safe?
Node software connects to a live network and stores blockchain data, so treat the download like any infrastructure tool. Get the program only from the official website or the GitHub repository, and verify the SHA-256 checksum or signature before running it. Never enter a seed phrase into a third-party website, and be wary of any site offering a node installer with extra bundled programs. Because the current build is a release candidate, check the official website for the latest stable version before running a node that other people or services depend on.
- Official source only. Download from github.com/aeternity/aeternity. 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
The main difference between these programs is the network each one serves. Geth and Nethermind are Ethereum clients, Bitcoin Core serves Bitcoin, Agave serves Solana, and TON and Aptos serve their own chains. If your goal is the æternity chain, this is the node to look at; if your goal is another chain, choose the client built for it.
OpenEthereum, a former Parity client, is closed and should not be chosen for new setups.
Specifications
- Price
- Free
- Type
- Open source
- License
- ISC
- Latest version
- v7.3.0-rc11
- Last update
- 7 Sept 2026
- Windows support
- Unverified (Windows mentioned in docs)
- Source code
- github.com/aeternity/aeternity
Frequently asked questions
Safety depends mainly on where you get the file. Use the project's own release pages, check the SHA-256 checksum before running anything, and keep your system's protection enabled while you install. The open source code on GitHub also lets technical users review what they run.
The documentation mentions Windows as a platform, alongside Linux and Docker. However, Windows support has not been formally verified, so test on a non-critical machine first. Linux and Docker are also listed options if you want to compare setups.
Yes. The program is listed as free and is released under the ISC license. Costs you may face come from the hardware, electricity, internet bandwidth and disk storage needed to run a node, not from the software itself.
æternity is licensed under the ISC license, a permissive open source license. You can use, modify and redistribute the code as long as the copyright notice and license text are kept. The license includes no warranty, so plan your own testing.
No, it is a node client. A node verifies and stores blockchain data and communicates with other peers. Use dedicated wallet software for managing keys, and never enter a seed phrase into a third-party website.
The time depends on your hardware, internet speed and the amount of chain data to download. The node documentation is the best source for expected sync behavior. Plan for a long first run and keep the machine powered on during that period.
Verdict
æternity suits developers and technically confident users who want a free, open source node client for the æternity chain on Windows, Linux or Docker. It is not a plug-and-play app. Test Windows setups carefully, and wait for a stable release before running a node that others depend on.