How to change from Bitcoin Core to Bitcoin Knots

Switching from Bitcoin Core to Bitcoin Knots on Ubuntu is straightforward because Bitcoin Knots is a derivative of Bitcoin Core. It uses the same data directories, wallet format, and configuration files, so your blockchain data and wallet can be reused directly.

Here’s how to change from Bitcoin Core to Bitcoin Knots safely:

Why Change to Bitcoin Knots?

Bitcoin Knots includes all Bitcoin Core functionality plus additional features useful to some node operators:

• Mempool policies (e.g., full-RBF toggle)
• Advanced coin selection
• Optional blockchain policy and consensus changes
• More flexible RPC permissions

If you need more policy control, transparency, or testing features, Knots is a strong choice.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Stop Bitcoin Core

If Bitcoin Core is running, stop it safely:

bitcoin-cli stop

Wait until it shuts down completely. You can check this with:

ps aux | grep bitcoind

Backup Your Wallet and Config

Just in case, back up your wallet and configuration:

cp ~/.bitcoin/wallets/wallet.dat ~/wallet_backup.dat
cp ~/.bitcoin/bitcoin.conf ~/bitcoin.conf.backup

Download Bitcoin Knots

Go to the official Bitcoin Knots download page and get the latest Ubuntu version. Alternatively, use the terminal:

wget https://bitcoinknots.org/files/25.1.knots20240606/bitcoin-25.1.knots20240606-x86_64-linux-gnu.tar.gz

Verify the PGP signature (optional but recommended for security):

1. Import Luke Dashjr’s GPG key:

gpg --recv-keys 0xFDF0B9E8

2. Download the .asc signature file and verify:

gpg --verify bitcoin-25.1.knots20240606-x86_64-linux-gnu.tar.gz.asc

Install Bitcoin Knots

Extract and move the binaries into place:

tar -xvf bitcoin-25.1.knots20240606-x86_64-linux-gnu.tar.gz
cd bitcoin-25.1.knots20240606
sudo install -m 0755 -o root -g root -t /usr/local/bin bin/*

This replaces bitcoind, bitcoin-cli, bitcoin-qt, etc., with the Knots versions.

Launch Bitcoin Knots

Run the daemon:

bitcoind -daemon

Or launch the GUI:

bitcoin-qt

It will reuse your existing .bitcoin/ data directory, including the blockchain and wallet.

Verify It’s Bitcoin Knots

Check the version to confirm:

bitcoind --version

Output should say something like:

Bitcoin Knots v25.1.knots20240606

You can also check the GUI splash screen or getnetworkinfo:

bitcoin-cli getnetworkinfo | grep subversion

Expected output:

"subversion": "/Bitcoin Knots:25.1.knots20240606/",

Can I Switch Back to Core Later?

Yes. Since Bitcoin Knots is backward-compatible with Bitcoin Core’s wallet and data formats, you can switch back at any time by reinstalling Core:

sudo apt install bitcoin-qt bitcoind

Just make sure versions are close (e.g., both 25.x) to avoid downgrade issues.

Tips and Considerations

• Knots vs Core: You gain advanced features but stay within the same consensus rules unless you opt into policy changes.
• Updates: Bitcoin Knots tends to lag behind Core releases by a few weeks. Wait for updated builds or track bitcoinknots.org for announcements.
• PGP Verification: Always verify the signature to avoid malicious tampering.

FAQ

Does switching to Bitcoin Knots delete my wallet or blockchain?
No. It uses the same directory (~/.bitcoin) and reads the same files.

Can I run both Bitcoin Core and Knots?
Technically yes, but not simultaneously. Use --datadir if you want to isolate environments.

What if I installed Core via APT?
Uninstall Core with:

sudo apt remove bitcoind bitcoin-qt

Then install Knots manually as shown above.

Is Bitcoin Knots safe?
It is maintained by respected developer Luke Dashjr and is considered trustworthy, especially by advanced users who prefer policy transparency.