Monero GUI

Monero GUI offers different starting points for desktop users. Simple mode connects to a remote node automatically. Advanced mode gives you control over the node connection, including your own local copy of the blockchain. Pruning reduces the local storage requirement, while the merchant page helps businesses display payment requests.

The software is open source and free to use; sending XMR still requires a network transaction fee. Before opening a downloaded installer or archive, follow the verification guide and check the signed hash list. The GUI runs locally rather than requiring an online Monero account.

A useful distinction appears when choosing a specific remote node. Check Settings, Info for the current wallet mode. If necessary, close the wallet, select Change wallet mode on the welcome screen and reopen it in Advanced mode. In Settings, Node, select Remote Node, enter its address and port, add any required node credentials, then Connect. Simple mode does not expose this custom-node workflow.

Choosing a remote node also involves trust. The project's guide warns that malicious operators can try to link network addresses with transactions. A node's quick response does not establish its privacy; use a node you operate or an operator you trust.

Recovery has its own control worth understanding. Choose Restore wallet from keys or mnemonic seed, select the seed option and supply the saved words plus any seed-offset passphrase. Set the local file name, password and restore height or date. The restore height tells the wallet where to begin scanning the blockchain: choosing a point after the first payment can hide earlier transactions and produce the wrong balance. An earlier point takes longer to scan but avoids skipping those payments. Wait for synchronization before treating the displayed balance as complete.