How Convert wallet to HD wallet - bitcoin core 26

[michaelmms]

Hello,

I am running a wallet on ubuntu 22.04 with snap and bitcoin core 26.

When I run in terminal:

Code:

bitcoin-core.qt --help

there is no option like

Code:

-upgradewallet

Is there a way to get my old wallet to a HD-Wallet?
I found really nothing on google.

Thanks

Michael

[1715419774]

1715419774

[1715419774]

1715419774

[nc50lc]

Code:

bitcoin-core.qt --help

there is no option like

Code:

-upgradewallet

Since you're using QT (GUI), just launch Bitcoin Core normally and go to console (Window->Console).
Select the target wallet in the drop-down menu of the console (if not available, load load it first) and enter the command: upgradewallet

But in case if you're actually asking how to upgrade it into a 'descriptor wallet':
Select the old wallet in overview's wallet drop-down menu, then use "File->Migrate Wallet" to convert it into a descriptor wallet.
Wait for it to finish, it may take a while depending on the contents of the wallet file.

[michaelmms]

Thank you for your answer nc50lc!


I have a few more perhaps stupid beginner's questions:

I only have one wallet.dat file, so not several wallets. I use this as long-term storage for my coins.
I have passphrase encrypted my wallet and always make backups of the wallet.dat if I generate a new address.

If I now convert my wallet into an HD wallet or a Descriptor wallet and something goes wrong, can I still use my old wallet.dat file again if I copy it to the wallet.dat location via linux termial?

Should I update my wallet.dat at all? I hardly ever generate new addresses. Or do I have a disadvantage if I leave everything as it is?
What would you recommend?

Thx a lot

Michael

[nc50lc]

If I now convert my wallet into an HD wallet or a Descriptor wallet and something goes wrong, can I still use my old wallet.dat file again if I copy it to the wallet.dat location via linux termial?

Yes, but it's better to use the proper import method rather than manual copy of the wallet.dat file to the wallets directory.
Use the command: bitcoin-cli restorewallet "wallet_name" "path_to_old_wallet.dat_file_backup"

link: https://bitcoincore.org/en/doc/25.0.0/rpc/wallet/restorewallet/

Should I update my wallet.dat at all? I hardly ever generate new addresses. Or do I have a disadvantage if I leave everything as it is?
What would you recommend?

I'd recommend to migrate to a descriptor wallet.
The main reason is because legacy wallet format support will soon be dropped by Bitcoin Core.

[michaelmms]

thank you very much, I try it and reply if I'll get any problems!