Quote from: DrakonX on June 18, 2021, 08:04:37 PM

How can I start Bitcoin Core on Windows without a graphical user interface, i.e. only the thread that synchronizes the blockchain? Is there even a way to start the GUI minimized (in the system tray)?

For the GUI, these are the settings that you'll need (under "Settings->Options..._>Window"):

If you want to start bitcoind:

Go to the location where the "daemon" folder is, already pointed in the other replies.
Now, in that folder, Hold 'SHIFT' and 'right click' on an empty space (while nothing is highlighted/selected),
a right-click options will be displayed, select "Open command window here" and a cmd will open that's already started with that directory.
Lastly, type: bitcoind and it will start.

In newer Windows10 versions, "cmd" has been replaced by "PowerShell" in the right click menu of Windows explorer or start menu.
If you'll use that instead of cmd, type ./bitcoind instead.

If you want a shortcut, you can create a ".bat" file that you can double-click to start bitcoind:

Create a new text file in the daemon folder: "Right-click->New->Text document"
Edit it and type bitcoind, save and exit.
Rename the "New Text Document.txt" into "any_name_you_want.bat", the important part is the extension.
You can create shortcuts for you to link to start of desktop:
"Right-click on the .bat file->Create shortcut" or "Right-click on the .bat file->send to->Desktop (create shortcut)"

Then you can use that to launch bitcoind without opening the command prompt.