# Installing Verus

This guide walks you through downloading and installing Verus on your computer. No prior experience needed.

# Choose Your Software

Verus offers two options:

Option	Best For	Description
Verus Desktop	Most users	Graphical wallet with mining, staking, and VerusID management built in
Verus CLI	Advanced users, servers	Command-line tools (`verusd`, `verus`) for headless operation

# System Requirements

OS: Linux (Ubuntu 18.04+), macOS (10.14+), Windows (10+)
RAM: 4 GB minimum, 8 GB recommended
Disk: 15+ GB free (blockchain grows over time)
CPU: Any modern x86_64 processor; ARM64 supported on Linux
Network: Broadband internet for initial sync

# Download

# Official Sources

Website: https://verus.io/wallet
GitHub Releases: https://github.com/VerusCoin/VerusCoin/releases

⚠️ Only download from official sources. Never trust links from unofficial channels.

# Verus Desktop

Download from verus.io/wallet — installers available for Linux, macOS, and Windows.

# Verus CLI

Download the appropriate archive from GitHub Releases:

Platform	Filename Pattern
Linux x86_64	`Verus-CLI-Linux-v*-amd64.tar.gz`
Linux ARM64	`Verus-CLI-Linux-v*-arm64.tar.gz`
macOS	`Verus-CLI-macOS-v*.tar.gz`
Windows	`Verus-CLI-Windows-v*.zip`

# Install — Linux

Dependencies (if on a fresh system):

sudo apt-get install libcurl3 g++-multilib    # Ubuntu/Debian

# Extract the archive
tar -xzf Verus-CLI-Linux-v*.tar.gz

# Move into the extracted directory
cd verus-cli

# Make binaries executable (usually already set)
chmod +x verusd verus fetch-params

# Zcash Parameters (Auto-Downloaded)

The daemon automatically downloads the required Zcash cryptographic parameters (~1.7 GB to ~/.zcash-params/) on first run. The official docs recommend running fetch-params before first start, but the daemon will handle it if you skip this step:

./fetch-params   # Recommended before first start; daemon auto-downloads if missing

# Install — macOS

tar -xzf Verus-CLI-macOS-v*.tar.gz
cd verus-cli

If macOS blocks execution, go to System Preferences → Security & Privacy and click Allow.

# Install — Windows

Extract the .zip file to a folder (e.g., C:\verus-cli)
Open Command Prompt or PowerShell
Navigate to the folder: cd C:\verus-cli

Zcash parameters are downloaded automatically on first daemon start. You can optionally run fetch-params.bat to pre-download them.

# Install — ARM (Linux)

ARM64 builds (Raspberry Pi 4, etc.) follow the same Linux steps — just download the arm64 archive:

tar -xzf Verus-CLI-Linux-v*-arm64.tar.gz
cd verus-cli

💡 Tip: ARM devices with limited RAM may struggle during initial sync. Consider using a bootstrap to speed things up.

# Verifying Signatures

Each release includes a signature file. To verify:

# Import the Verus signing key (if you haven't already)
gpg --import verus-signing-key.asc

# Verify the archive
gpg --verify Verus-CLI-Linux-v*-amd64.tar.gz.sig Verus-CLI-Linux-v*-amd64.tar.gz

You should see Good signature from "Verus Coin". If verification fails, do not use the download.

SHA256 checksums are also published with each release for additional verification.

# What's Included (CLI)

The CLI package contains these key binaries:

Binary	Purpose
`verusd`	The Verus daemon — runs the blockchain node
`verus`	CLI client — sends commands to `verusd`
`fetch-params`	Downloads required Zcash cryptographic parameters
`fetch-bootstrap`	Downloads blockchain bootstrap for fast initial sync

# Next Steps

First Steps — Start the daemon and sync the blockchain
Wallet Setup — Create your first address and receive VRSC
Key Concepts — Understand what makes Verus unique