This guide provides step-by-step instructions for installing and configuring an I2P node on Windows.
Requirements
- Java (JRE)
- For optimal performance and to effectively assist the I2P network, it is recommended to have a 24/7 internet connection.
Step 1
We will need to install Java (JRE); if you already have this installed, skip to Step 2. Java can be downloaded from java.com.
Step 2
Download the I2P+ package from the I2P+ GitHub Repo.
Note: At the time of writing, 2.6.0 was the latest release. Check i2pplus.github.io for the latest version.
Step 3
Launch the installer package as Administrator and accept the Windows UAC prompts. If you have Windows Defender running you will also need to allow the application through SmartScreen.
Click on Next.
Step 4
These options cannot be changed, just click on Next.
Step 5
You can leave the default installation path alone or modify as required. Click on Next when a location has been selected.
Step 6
You will be prompted to create the I2P installation folder.
Step 7
Unless you need to install I2P+ for only a certain user, the default selections can be left and you can click on Next.
Step 8
When the installation is finished you can click on Next which will close out the installation package.
Step 9
I2P+ starts automatically, but if it does not you can start I2P+ either through the Application List or through the Windows Services Panel.
To launch the Windows Services Panel, hold the Windows Key and press R. In the run box type services.msc and hit OK. Find “I2P+ Anonymizing Network” and ensure that it is Running.
Step 10
To launch the I2P+ Router Console you can either use the Application List or open a browser and navigate directly to http://127.0.0.1:7657
Congratulations, you have successfully configured an I2P node. New nodes can take some time to integrate with the network, so not all I2P websites and applications will work straight away. Learn more about Accessing I2P Network & Applications.
Post-Install Configuration (optional)
While the default I2P+ will work with no changes, there are several modifications that we can make to improve the experience and performance.
Enabling Automatic Updates
Step 1: Navigate to the Router Console Update Page.
Step 2: Change the Update policy to “Download, verify, and restart”, then click Save.
To reload the settings, you will need to restart your router. Click on the restart symbol in the bottom left.
Configure Bandwidth Settings
I2P+ will work best if you configure your rates to match the speed of your internet connection.
Step 1: Navigate to the Router Console Bandwidth Configuration.
Step 2: After entering your Download, Upload, and Network share percentage hit the Save Changes button.
Opening Firewall
While I2P will work fine behind most firewalls, your speeds and network integration will generally improve if the I2P port is forwarded for both UDP and TCP.
You can visit PortForward.com to get instructions for your specific router model.
Allow Java through Windows Firewall
Open PowerShell as Administrator and run the command below.
$javaPath = (Get-Command java.exe -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue | Select-Object -ExpandProperty Source); if ($javaPath) { New-NetFirewallRule -Program $javaPath -Action Allow -Profile Domain,Private,Public -DisplayName "Allow Java" } else { Write-Output "java.exe not found in PATH." }
By default I2P+ picks a random port. Visit your Router Console Network Configuration page to see your UDP & TCP port which you will need to forward.
