---
title: "Legacy PoW → PoS Migration"
canonical_url: "https://nimiq.dev/archive"
---
# Legacy PoW → PoS Migration

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This archive preserves the resources created for the Proof-of-Work to Proof-of-Stake transition.

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<u-page-grid>
<u-page-card description="How to be prepared to join the first epoch as a validator and earn rewards from the very beginning" icon="i-nimiq:verified" title="Pre-registration" to="https://nimiq.dev/archive/validator-registration" variant="outline">



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<u-page-card description="Node Operators" icon="i-lucide-server" title="Be part of the migration" to="https://nimiq.dev/archive/node-operators" variant="outline">



</u-page-card>

<u-page-card description="Learn more" icon="i-lucide-book-open" title="Deep dive into the technical details" to="https://nimiq.dev/migration/migration-technical-details" variant="outline">



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<u-page-card description="FAQ" icon="i-lucide-help-circle" title="Check our FAQs for more information" to="https://nimiq.dev/archive/faqs" variant="outline">



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<u-page-card description="PoS" icon="i-lucide-shield-check" title="Curious about the new PoS? Check the protocol" to="https://nimiq.dev/protocol" variant="outline">



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## Understanding the Migration

Nimiq completed the transition from a Proof-of-Work to a Proof-of-Stake blockchain through a special hard fork. The transition process included several key phases:

- **Pre-registration Phase**: Establishes the first list of validators for the PoS blockchain within the PoW chain
- **Pre-Staking Phase**: Users pre-stake their NIM
- **Activation Phase**: Selects candidate transition blocks from the PoW chain and executes the transition to the PoS chain if at least 80% of the stake is ready

During the migration, the entire blockchain state—including accounts, balances, and transaction history—was captured so that users' balances moved intact to the PoS chain.

**Participation was optional.** Those who wanted to contribute could [become one of the first validators](https://nimiq.dev/archive/validator-registration) or [migrate as observers](https://nimiq.dev/archive/node-operators). The captured state ensured no NIM was lost during the process, and the guides below document the steps that were available at the time.

## Most Asked Questions

**Do I need to participate in the migration?**

No, you don't need to participate unless you want to become one of our first validators or actively engage in the process as a node operator with zero downtime. Your NIM and transaction history will be automatically transferred to the new PoS chain.

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**Will my NIM be safe during the transition?**

Yes, all NIM balances and transaction histories will be securely migrated to the PoS chain, and no NIM will be lost during this process.

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**Can I access my Wallet post-transition with the same Login File?**

Yes, you can. Your address and data will be transferred to the PoS chain, so your Login File remains the same.


## Sitemap

See the full [sitemap](https://nimiq.dev/sitemap.md) for all pages.