🪟 Windows Setup Guide

Overview

Minima on Windows uses OpenWebStart to run. OpenWebStart is a free tool that lets your PC run Java applications like Minima. This guide will walk you through installing everything you need.

What You'll Need

• Windows 10 or Windows 11
• About 500MB of free disk space
• Internet connection for download and initial sync

Step 1: Download OpenWebStart

OpenWebStart is a free application that allows your PC to run Java programs like Minima.

1. Open your web browser and go to openwebstart.com
2. Click the big Download button
3. Save the file to your Downloads folder

Step 2: Install OpenWebStart

1. Open your Downloads folder
2. Find the file starting with OWS-Setup
3. Double-click it to run the installer
4. If Windows shows a warning, click Run anyway
5. The installer will open - click Next
6. Accept the license agreement and click Next
7. Click Install
8. Wait for installation to complete, then click Finish

Step 3: Download Minima JNLP from SpartacusRex.com

The Minima application is downloaded as a JNLP file from SpartacusRex.com. This file tells OpenWebStart what to download.

1. Right-click the button above
2. Select "Save Link As..." or "Download Linked File As..."
3. Save the file as minima.jnlp to your Downloads folder

Step 4: Launch Minima

Now let's start Minima for the first time:

1. Open your Downloads folder
2. Find the minima.jnlp file
3. Right-click it and select Open with
4. Choose OpenWebStart
5. If OpenWebStart isn't in the list, click Choose another app and browse for OpenWebStart (usually in C:\Program Files\OpenWebStart)
6. OpenWebStart will download and install Minima
7. This may take a few minutes - be patient!

Step 5: Your Wallet

The Minima node IS your wallet. There's a built-in Wallet MiniDapp for managing your tokens.

1. Look for the Wallet MiniDapp in your MiniDapp Hub
2. Open it to see your addresses and balance
3. Your 24-word recovery phrase is stored securely - back it up if you haven't already

Step 6: Connect to Network

On first run, Minima connects to the network - this takes about 10 seconds.

1. When prompted, click to connect to the network
2. Wait a few seconds for the connection
3. You're ready to go!

Step 7: Create a Shortcut

Let's create a shortcut so you can easily start Minima in the future:

1. Right-click the minima.jnlp file in your Downloads
2. Select Create shortcut
3. Move the shortcut to your Desktop for easy access

Now to start Minima, just double-click the shortcut on your Desktop!

Updating Minima

When a new version of Minima is released:

1. Close Minima completely
2. Double-click minima.jnlp again (or your shortcut)
3. OpenWebStart will download and install the new version
4. Your wallet and history are preserved

Troubleshooting

OpenWebStart doesn't open JNLP files

• Right-click minima.jnlp → Open with → Choose OpenWebStart
• Make sure "Always use this app" is checked
• If OpenWebStart isn't listed, browse to C:\Program Files\OpenWebStart\

SmartScreen blocks the installer

• Click More info
• Click Run anyway
• OpenWebStart is safe - it's an open source project

Sync is stuck

• Check your internet connection
• Close Minima and restart it
• Make sure Windows isn't in sleep mode during sync
• Check that Windows Firewall isn't blocking Minima

Minima won't start

• Make sure OpenWebStart is properly installed
• Try right-clicking minima.jnlp and choosing "Run as administrator"

Need help?

• Join the Minima Discord
• Visit docs.minima.global

Next Steps

Now that you have Minima installed: