> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.stakelocal.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.stakelocal.io/dashboard-installation/install-supporting-software/install-node_exporter.md).

# Install node\_exporter

## node\_exporter

node\_exporter exports metrics related to system status and performance.

### Create System Account

Create a system account under which node\_exporter can run.

```
sudo adduser --system node_exporter --group --no-create-home
```

<figure><img src="/files/txY9C0w3G0hQVRgHtcWJ" alt=""><figcaption><p>Results of <code>adduser</code> command</p></figcaption></figure>

### Install node\_exporter

The instructions below are for version 1.5.0. [Check for newer versions of node\_exporter](https://github.com/prometheus/node_exporter/releases), and adapt the instructions below.

Download the latest release.

```bash
cd
wget https://github.com/prometheus/node_exporter/releases/download/v1.5.0/node_exporter-1.5.0.linux-amd64.tar.gz
```

<figure><img src="/files/DR83oZFVD4P0IPaRbLtq" alt=""><figcaption><p>Results of <code>wget</code> command</p></figcaption></figure>

Unpack the release.

```bash
tar xzvf node_exporter-1.5.0.linux-amd64.tar.gz
```

<figure><img src="/files/kVNfhtKUK7qJwvjUv5vG" alt=""><figcaption><p>Results of <code>tar node_exporter</code> command</p></figcaption></figure>

Copy the executable file to `/usr/local/bin`.

```bash
sudo cp node_exporter-1.5.0.linux-amd64/node_exporter /usr/local/bin/
```

### Configure Startup

Create a systemd service file to configure automatic startup of the node\_exporter service.

```bash
sudo nano /etc/systemd/system/node_exporter.service
```

Insert the following into the node\_exporter systemd service file.

<pre><code><strong>[Unit]
</strong>Description=Node Exporter

[Service]
Type=simple
Restart=always
RestartSec=5
User=node_exporter
ExecStart=/usr/local/bin/node_exporter

[Install]
WantedBy=multi-user.target
</code></pre>

Save the file and exit the editor.

### Optional: Clean Up Installation Files

Remove the node\_exporter archive and installation directory.

```bash
cd
rm node_exporter-1.5.0.linux-amd64.tar.gz
rm -rf node_exporter-1.5.0.linux-amd64
```

### Notes

{% hint style="info" %}
node\_exporter will listen on port 9100. This is the port from which Prometheus will query for metrics.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
We have not yet configured nor started node\_exporter.
{% endhint %}