> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.parallaxprotocol.org/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Installing Parallax Wallet

> Download Parallax Wallet, open it on Windows, macOS or Linux, and set up your node and your wallet on first launch.

## Installing

<Steps>
  <Step title="Download the latest release">
    Visit the [Parallax Wallet releases page](https://github.com/ParallaxProtocol/parallax-gui/releases/latest)
    and download the file for your computer:

    * **Windows (64-bit)**: `Parallax-Wallet-<version>-windows-x86_64-setup.exe`
      (installer) or `Parallax-Wallet-<version>-windows-x86_64.exe`
      (portable, runs without installing)
    * **macOS (Apple Silicon)**: `Parallax-Wallet-<version>-macos-arm64.dmg`
    * **macOS (Intel)**: `Parallax-Wallet-<version>-macos-x86_64.dmg`
    * **Linux (x86\_64)**: `Parallax-Wallet-<version>-linux-x86_64.AppImage`
    * **Linux (ARM64)**: `Parallax-Wallet-<version>-linux-arm64.AppImage`

    Each release includes a `SHA256SUMS.txt` file you can use to verify
    the download.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Install and open it">
    * **Windows**: run the installer, or open the portable `.exe`
      directly. The app isn't signed with a Windows certificate yet, so
      SmartScreen may say *Windows protected your PC*: choose **More
      info → Run anyway**.
    * **macOS**: open the `.dmg` and drag *Parallax Wallet* to
      *Applications*. The app isn't notarized by Apple yet, so the first
      time you open it macOS may refuse. Open **System Settings → Privacy
      & Security**, scroll down, and choose **Open Anyway** next to
      Parallax Wallet.
    * **Linux**: make the AppImage executable
      (`chmod +x Parallax-Wallet-*.AppImage`) and run it. Some
      distributions need `libfuse2` installed to run AppImages.
  </Step>
</Steps>

Only one copy of Parallax Wallet runs at a time: opening it again brings
the open window forward.

***

## First launch

The first time you open Parallax Wallet, it greets you and sets up your
node and your wallet, one question at a time.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Language and how you'll use this computer">
    Pick your language (the app starts in your system's language when it
    has it), then choose **Wallet with my own node**. Choose **Offline
    signer** only for a computer that will never go online; see
    [Offline signing](./offline-signing).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Where to keep your data">
    The blockchain needs room on disk. The suggested folder is fine for
    most people; see [Files on your computer](./settings#files-on-your-computer).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Help the network">
    **Allow inbound connections** lets other nodes connect to yours,
    which strengthens the network. It's recommended, and you can turn it
    off later. Press **Start node**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Let it sync">
    Your node downloads the blockchain and checks it. You can wait until
    it's in sync, or press **Continue while it syncs** and carry on.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create your wallet password">
    At least 8 characters. It protects every key and recovery phrase in
    the wallet, and it **can't be recovered**: if you lose it, only your
    recovery phrases and backups can bring your accounts back.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set up your recovery phrase">
    Choose one:

    * **Create recovery phrase** — the app shows you 24 words. Write them
      down on paper, then type three of them back to confirm. You can add
      an optional passphrase.
    * **Import recovery phrase** — type the 12 to 24 words of a phrase you
      already have. The app finds the accounts you've used and ticks them.
    * **Connect a hardware wallet** — use a Ledger or Trezor; see
      [Hardware wallets](./hardware-wallets).
  </Step>
</Steps>

✨ Your wallet is ready. To import a private key or keystore file, or to
watch an address, use **Settings → Accounts** afterwards.

<Warning>
  Your recovery phrase is your money. Anyone who has it can take your LAX,
  and no one, including Parallax, can recover it for you. Read
  [Keeping your wallet safe](../wallets/keep-safe).
</Warning>

***

## Next steps

* [Around the app](./introduction#around-the-app) — what's where.
* [Accounts](./accounts) — add a private key, a keystore file or a
  watch-only address.
* [Keeping your wallet safe](../wallets/keep-safe) — what to protect, and how.


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