Technical users often verify the "hash" of their download to ensure it's authentic. You can do this in the Windows Command Prompt: Bitcoin Core Requirements and Warnings
: The software will begin "Connecting to peers" and downloading the blockchain. This process can take anywhere from a few days to over a week depending on your CPU and internet speed. download bitcoin core for windows
: Run the installer and choose your data directory. If your "C:" drive is small, select an external SSD or a larger internal drive for the blockchain data. Technical users often verify the "hash" of their
: Once synced, you can create a new wallet. Crucial : Immediately go to Settings > Encrypt Wallet and create a strong passphrase. Back up your wallet.dat file to multiple secure locations. Optional: Verifying the Download (Pro-Level Security) : Run the installer and choose your data directory