The Easiest Way to Stake Algorand on Your Windows PC – A Simple, Step-by-Step Guide

The Easiest Way to Stake Algorand on Your Windows PC – A Simple, Step-by-Step Guide AllinCrypto March 27, 2025

If you’re not particularly tech-savvy, setting up a staking node might seem challenging. But with Aust’s One-Click Node (A1CN), even Windows users can become validators of Algorand with only minimal technical knowledge required. This guide walks you through every step, from the node installation and software configuration to all the necessary information to start to stake in minutes.

Why Run an Algorand Node?

By operating an Algorand node, you contribute to the blockchain’s consensus mechanism protocol and provide security to the network. You receive staking rewards in exchange with a estimate APY of 7.5%. With this easy solution, the process is straightforward, and you could be a validator in minutes!

What you need? The Prerequisites for the Node

Before you begin, here is what you need

• A Windows 10/11 (64-bit) PC with minimum of 4 cores, 16 GB RAM, and 256 GB SSD/NVME disk are necessary for optimal node performance
• It’s suggested to have a stable internet connection that can run 1 Gbit speed
• To participate in consensus and earn rewards through staking you will need to have at least 30,000 ALGO
• Wired connections are optional, but very recommended.
• You might also want a small UPS for backup power.

Cost Estimation for Algorand Node

Below is a table outlining the estimated costs for the setup of an Algorand staking node. Remember that these are rough estimates, which may differ depending upon your geographical location, choice of hardware and current price of the ALGO Token:

So let’s start and setup an Algorand Node on Windows

So what we use in our example is a Dell Optiplex mini PC, it’s perfect for this job: small, with low consumption (65w) and easy to store in any location of your house or office.

This system is compact with an Intel Core i3-12100T (4 cores, 8 threads), 16GB of memory and dual storage that consists of a 256GB NVMe drive plus 512GB SSD perfect for our purpose.

Additional Equipment (we recommend)

A UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) is essential part of protecting your Algorand staking node from possibile malfunctions due to power interruptions or voltage fluctuations both of which can seriously damage your device. Regardless of your environment, we always recommend using a UPS. One power outage without it could take your entire server offline.

Luckily, there are some effective and also inexpensive choices like the Vultech 650VA are both effective and affordable. This compact UPS costs just under $35 to buy, can power 350W and guarantee that your server stays online for about 40 minutes in the event of an outage. It even has two outlets, allowing you to connect an additional device like your router to keep your internet connection stable. That small investment can save you a big headache when light fails.

Step 1) Preparing Your Windows System

First, let’s start by plugging everything in. It’s very raccomended to use a direct wired connection to ensure a low ping and a stable network connection. Using Wi-Fi can impact your node’s performance, as wireless networks often suffer from higher latency and possibile instability.

Installing the Algorand Node on Windows

First off, we don’t cover how to install Windows 10 or 11 in this tutorial. Before setting up the node, update the OS, BIOS and software running on it to the latest version available.

In our case we installed Windows 11 from scratch. We also recommend disabling automatic updates on Windows so that no unexpected reboots occur while the node is running.

Alright, now that everything is set up, we can begin installing the Windows software needed to run the node.

Step 2) Download Aust’s One-Click Node

1. Visit the Official GitHub Repository
   • Open your browser and go to Aust’s One-Click Node GitHub page.
   • Download the latest Windows Installer (.exe) file.
2. Verify the Download
   • Ensure that the file is downloaded from the official GitHub repository to avoid malware risks.

The version we are installing during the writing of this tutorial is the version 1.6.1

Step 3) Install Aust’s One-Click Node

1. Locate the downloaded Aust’s One-Click Node installer and double-click to run it.
2. If you receive a Windows Security Warning, click on More info and select Run anyway.

1. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
2. Once the installation is complete, the application will lunch automatically, you will need to wait several minutes or hours for the node to be sync with the Algorand network, so leave it for a bit to sync and come back later

Step 4) Prepare Your Wallet

While your are waiting for the sync of the Algorand node prepare your wallet with the minimum amount of 30.000 Algo with Aust One Click node is Defly you can download the app from IOS and Google play

So install the Defly app and send the founds

As your Algorand node syncs, take this time to prepare your wallet with the required 30,000 ALGO. Since Aust’s One-Click Node uses Defly as the default wallet, you can download the Defly app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android). Once installed, send the funds to your Defly wallet.

Step 5) Connect your Algorand Wallet

After the Syncing of the node is completed now we can start to setup the operation on the Algorand node.

1. Connect your Algorand Wallet to register for participation. Click the Connect Button

A QR code will appear to continue the connection.

Open the Defly app on your phone and scan the qr code.

Once the wallet is connected, your node address and selection key will appear. At this point, you can finally click the Start button in the Aust One-Click Node program. To participate as a staking node on the Algorand, ensure your wallet holds at least 30,002 ALGO this includes the 30,000 ALGO minimum stake and a one-time 2 ALGO fee required to register your participation keys. ​

Please note, that it will take approximately 320 rounds or 15 minutes before your node comes online for staking. This delay is a result of the protocol’s design, which picks up account information from 320 rounds ago in order to secure the network and prevent any potential exploitations. During this time, it integrates into the network’s consensus mechanism. After that process is complete your node can be said to have joined up with Algorand network and everything else falls in line accordingly.

Step 6) Monitor the Node Status

As soon as your node is ready and operational, you can monitor its performance by simply enabling the Telemetry function in the settings of the program. This enables your node to push potential events and errors to a monitoring service (events, error and metrics). Once telemetry is enabled, a new link will appear in your dashboard.

Step 7) Maintaining Operation

In order to remain participating and earning staking rewards, please ensure that

• Your node is online all the time (If your local machine is not stable, VPS can be used)
• You have more than 30,000 ALGO in your wallet
• You continually upgrade the node software to the most recent iteration from GitHub
• As mentioned earlier, using an UPS will ensure that your PC does not get shut down from any eletrical outage

Where to store the node?

Best practices for optimal longevity are to install your Algorand node in an area where it will receive great airflow and where all of the equipment will be easily accessible. In our example of setup, we installed the node in a wall cabinet with a good air circulation. This location ensures the node is secure, while the router and UPS are conveniently housed together and can draw power from the same outlet. Additionally, regularly monitoring the room’s temperature is crucial to preventing overheating and ensuring continuous, effective operation especially during the hotter months

Troubleshooting and Common Issues

1. Node Not Syncing
   • Restart the application.
   • Check your firewall and allow network access for the node software.
   • Verify your internet connection.
2. Participation Keys Not Registering
   • Ensure your wallet meets the minimum balance requirement.
   • Reconnect your wallet and re-enter participation details.
3. Windows Defender or AntiVirus Blocks the Application
   • Add the application to Windows Defender’s allow list.
   • Disable real-time protection temporarily during installation.

Conclusion

Aust’s One-Click Node makes it easy to set up an Algorand staking node on Windows, allowing you to support the Algorand network and earn rewards. We take you through every step of the process in our tutorial with adequate images to show you how to do them, including the setup of a mini PC so that you can get your node installed, configured, and maintained with as little technical effort as possible.

For further support, visit:

• Aust’s GitHub Repository
• Algorand Developer Documentation

Stay decentralized and happy staking! Hope you liked our tutorial and stay tuned for more

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