What software do I need to mine Monero?
You need a Monero mining program and a Monero wallet address to receive what you earn. For most home computers, a common setup is XMRig for mining plus the official Monero GUI wallet for managing your coins. You can also use a browser-based mining service, but check what it actually mines, how it pays you, and whether the return justifies the electricity used.
Start with a wallet
Your wallet gives you a receiving address—a string of letters and numbers that tells the mining software where your payments should go.
Two official options are:
- Monero GUI wallet: A desktop app with buttons and menus. This is usually the easier choice if you are new.
- Monero CLI wallet: A text-based app you control by typing commands. It suits you better if you already feel comfortable using a terminal.
A wallet does not need to stay open to receive pool payouts. However, it must sync—check the relevant blockchain records—before it can show your updated balance.
During setup, save your wallet’s recovery words somewhere safe and private. Mining software needs your public receiving address, not your recovery words or private keys. Any mining site asking for those secrets is a serious warning sign.
Choose a mining program
XMRig is a widely used, open-source mining program available for Windows, Linux, and macOS. Open-source means its source code is available for people to inspect.
It supports RandomX, Monero’s mining method since November 2019. RandomX favors your computer’s CPU, the main processor, rather than a graphics card.
For a typical mining-pool setup, you give XMRig:
- Your pool’s server address and port.
- Your Monero wallet address.
- Any extra settings required by that pool.
A mining pool combines your work with other miners’ work and shares rewards according to its rules. You generally do not need separate pool software or a full copy of Monero’s blockchain when using a conventional pool.
Download mining software only from its official project source. Check fees too: XMRig normally includes a developer donation, and your pool may charge its own fee.
Know when you need extra software
If you choose P2Pool, a decentralized pool without a central payout operator, your setup is more involved. You typically use:
- XMRig to perform the mining work.
- P2Pool software to coordinate shared mining.
- A synced Monero node, usually run through
monerod.
A node checks and shares Monero’s transaction records. Running your own means allowing extra storage space, internet use, and time for the first sync.
The official Monero wallet also offers built-in mining options. Availability and setup differ between the GUI and CLI, so check the instructions for your chosen version.
Understand browser mining and security warnings
For browser-based mining, you generally need a supported web browser rather than a separately installed miner. However, browser restrictions make native Monero mining less practical and usually less efficient than dedicated software.
Do not assume “paid in XMR” means “mining Monero directly.” Check the service’s mining method, fees, withdrawal minimum, and payout record.
Antivirus tools sometimes flag legitimate miners because attackers also misuse them. Verify the download rather than disabling your protection broadly. Only mine on devices you own or have explicit permission to use.
The bottom line
For a straightforward start, use an official Monero wallet, XMRig, and a reputable mining pool. Browser mining needs less setup, while P2Pool needs more software and configuration.
