How can I remove a Monero miner virus from my computer?

You can remove a Monero miner virus by stopping its access to your computer, scanning for malware, and removing anything that lets it restart. Start by disconnecting from the internet and closing your browser, then follow the steps below. Monero itself is not a virus; the problem is software using your computer to mine it without your permission.

Contain the problem first

Save your work, turn off Wi-Fi or unplug your network cable, and close every browser window. Avoid signing in to banking, email, or other sensitive accounts on this computer until you have cleaned it.

A website-based miner usually stops when you close its tab or browser. If the heavy activity continues, you may have an installed miner, a malicious browser extension, or another problem.

Mining often causes loud fans, heat, slow performance, and high processor use. These signs are clues, not proof: updates and legitimate apps can cause them too.

If this is a work or school computer, contact your IT team before deleting anything. They may need to investigate how it got there.

Find and remove the unwanted software

Open Task Manager on Windows or Activity Monitor on macOS. Sort by CPU use—CPU means your computer’s main processor—and look for unusually busy programs while you are not doing much.

Do not delete a file just because its name looks unfamiliar. Malware can use ordinary-looking names, and genuine system programs can use lots of processing power.

Next:

• Uninstall unfamiliar apps, especially anything installed just before the problem started.
• Remove browser extensions you do not recognize or no longer need.
• Check browser settings for permission to keep running apps after you close the browser.
• Install operating system and browser security updates.

You may need to reconnect briefly to download updates or security tools. Use built-in update features and official software sources, not pop-ups offering a “miner remover.”

Scan for malware and its restart mechanisms

Run a full scan with your updated security software. On Windows, use Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Scan options → Full scan. You can also run Microsoft Defender Offline, which restarts your computer to check for threats outside your normal Windows session.

On macOS, use a reputable malware scanner obtained from its official source. Follow its removal instructions.

Let the scanner quarantine detected threats. Quarantine isolates suspicious files so they cannot run. Restart afterward and scan again.

Miners may return through startup apps, scheduled tasks, or background services—features that automatically launch programs. Review startup entries or login items, but get qualified help before changing unfamiliar system settings. Do not paste “cleanup” commands from strangers into a terminal.

Check for damage beyond mining

Once you restart, leave the computer idle and check whether unusual processor use returns. Confirm that your security software is enabled and can update.

A miner infection can arrive with password-stealing malware. If other threats were found, or you cannot tell what was installed, use a different, trusted device to change important passwords, end unfamiliar login sessions, and enable two-factor authentication.

If the infection keeps returning, back up essential documents and photos, then consider a clean operating system reinstall from official recovery media. Avoid restoring suspicious apps or installers.

The bottom line

Closing a malicious webpage may stop browser mining, but an installed miner needs proper scanning and removal. If scans fail, security tools are disabled, or the miner returns, get trusted technical help or perform a clean reinstall.