Installing a Pi Network Node on Windows

This guide describes how to set up a Pi Network Node on a physical Windows system. Operation on virtual machines (VMs) is not supported.

(Last updated: 11.03.2025)

Important notes:

• Installation on Linux, cloud servers, or virtualized environments is not possible.
• Cloning an existing installation can cause problems and should be avoided.

Preparation:

• Make sure your home network is set to "private".
• During the installation, all system messages must be confirmed.

System requirements:

• Windows 10 or higher
• Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL2) and Docker Desktop

If Docker Toolbox or VirtualBox are installed, they must be uninstalled and the PC restarted.

Windows Update:

Make sure your system is up to date and all current Windows updates have been installed.

Step 1: Activate system functions

Open PowerShell as administrator and run the following commands one after the other:

1. Activation of the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL):

2. Activation of the Virtual Machine Platform:

3. Restart the PC.

4. Install the latest WSL2 Linux Kernel Update Package:

5. Set WSL2 as the default version:

Important: No other Linux distributions should be installed, as they can impair the functionality of the node.

Step 2: Adjust firewall settings

So that the node functions without problems, certain TCP ports must be released in the Windows Firewall.

Add incoming rule:

1. Open the Windows Defender Firewall (Control Panel → System and Security → Windows Defender Firewall).
2. Go to Advanced Settings.
3. Select Incoming Rules and then New Rule....
4. Select Port and click Next.
5. Select TCP and enter the ports 31400-31409.
6. Click Next and select Allow connection.
7. Select the applicable network profiles (Private, Domain).
8. Assign a name (e.g. TCP Ports 31400-31409 incoming) and click Finish.

Add outgoing rule:

Repeat the above steps for outgoing connections.

💡 Tip: Alternatively, a prepared batch file can be used to set the firewall rules automatically:

Step 3: Install Docker Desktop

Download Docker Desktop and install it with the default settings:

Important: If Docker Desktop does not start correctly after installation, restart the system.

• After installation, the tutorial can be skipped (no user account required).
• Start the PI NODE software and activate the port check in the app to check whether all settings have been made correctly before running the node.

Additional notes for stable operation:

• Problems often arise due to incorrectly configured static IP addresses or faulty port forwarding. Check the settings in your router.
• Deactivate energy saving mode to ensure that the node runs continuously.
• If you are using a restricted user account, it must be added to the docker-users group.
• The node requires a stable internet connection - connection interruptions can impair the function.

If there are any ambiguities or problems, simply use the chat.