Create an Electrum Wallet

Go to http://electrum.org and download the easy installation software for your platform, i.e.: Windows, Android, Linux.

Download Electrum wallet

Start the Electrum software and select auto connect, after this you will be guided to the setup process the create a new wallet.

Create new Electrum Wallet

Use the default settings, so choose 'Standard wallet' and then 'Create a new seed'. Write down the 12 words on a piece of paper and put them in a safe place. Preferable 2 or more pieces of paper depending on the amount off bitcoins you are going to store. Do not copy-paste, print-screen or store your 12 word seed electronically, then you will more vulnerable for an attack.

Generate a new seed

To verify you have got the passphrase correctly you will be asked to enter the 12 words again. This is a bit of a hassle, but is really necessary to 'play your own bank' and secure your bitcoins. After setting everything up you only need your password to enter and use your wallet.

Confirm your private key seed

Now choose a strong password and remember it or store it in a password manager. If you forgot your password you will able to recreate your wallet with the 12-word passphrase.

Enter a strong password

Your wallet is ready, you can now transfer funds from your paper wallet into Electrum or buy some bitcoins.

Security

Your wallet is protected with a password and is secured against loss with writen backups of the private key. However if your computer has bad security and anyone gains access and is capable of installing software they can gain access to your bitcoins. So please update regularly, choose strong passwords, use a good virus scanner and firewall. This is not the place to elaborate too much about security, there is more security information out there.

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