Modern versions of Bitcoin Core utilize backed by the SQLite database engine. Instead of a messy pool of random keys, descriptor wallets use Output Script Descriptors. They describe exactly how to derive keys hierarchically from a seed phrase.
For both legacy and descriptor wallets, the official backup method recommended by developers remains backing up the entire wallet.dat file. If you back up only the private keys, you lose the information needed to efficiently reconstruct the wallet—including address labels, transaction metadata, and the exact structure of generated addresses.
A local record of all incoming and outgoing transactions associated with your addresses. Bitcoin Core Wallet.dat
wallet.dat is the proprietary database file used by (the reference implementation of the Bitcoin protocol) to store critical wallet data.
You can extract the master seed from your wallet.dat . In Bitcoin Core Console: dumpwallet "C:\seed.txt" This creates a text file containing every private key and the master HD seed. You can then import that seed into other wallets. Modern versions of Bitcoin Core utilize backed by
Locate the newly created, empty wallet.dat file in the default data directory. Replace it with your backup wallet.dat file. Ensure the file is named exactly wallet.dat .
The location of the wallet.dat file depends on your operating system. If you used a custom data directory during installation, the file will be located there instead. For both legacy and descriptor wallets, the official
The data used to receive Bitcoin.
A pre-generated batch of unused private keys (typically 100 or 1000) used for creating new receiving and change addresses.
Because the wallet.dat file contains unencrypted private keys by default, anyone who gains access to your computer or copies this file can steal your funds instantly. Securing it requires a multi-layered approach. 1. Wallet Encryption Always encrypt your wallet immediately after creation. Open Bitcoin Core. Go to > Encrypt Wallet . Choose a strong, unique passphrase.
To load a specific wallet: Launch Core with -wallet=newwalletname