In this article I will show you how quickly and easily you can set up and run Monero mining on Windows. No additional hardware/graphics card is required for Monero mining. Monero uses the RandomX algorithm (CPU mining) and therefore works even on a laptop. The entire setup takes about 25 minutes. After that you will be able to mine Monero coins yourself 24/7.

Monero CPU-Mining - RandomX algorithm

The Monero mining algorithm RandomX (CPU mining) does not favor ASICs and graphics cards, as is the case with the Bitcoin mining algorithm (SHA256). This means that the Monero mining entry is much lower than with Bitcoin, since no expensive hardware such as ASICS or graphics cards need to be purchased.

Monero mining is possible with normal processors such as an Intel i5-i9 or an AMD Ryzen 5-9. This also allows decent hash rates of 10-20kHz.

This fair access to Monero mining should mean that the coin and mining distribution is much stronger and therefore more decentralized than, for example, Bitcoin. However, since Monero is private by design, it is not possible to check the coin distribution.

Requirements for Monero mining (Windows)

1. Monero-Wallet (address)
   For mining, you need your own Monero wallet so that you can receive your mined coins at this address. Don't have a Monero wallet yet? Create Monero XMR Wallet : Windows Complete Guide
2. Mining-Software (xmrig)
   Download the latest Monero mining software xmrig gcc from GitHub. IMPORTANT: DO NOT unpack after downloading! Download link: xmrig/GitHub Releases
3. Mining-Pool (SupportXMR)
   Solo mining makes no sense with large coins like Monero. It would take years to confirm/mint a block on your own. The solution is pool mining. All miners pool their hashrate. This means that blocks are confirmed/mined more often. The profit is then distributed among all participants according to the hashrate provided. The SupportXMR pool is used for this guide. You can find other pools here: Minigpoolstats.stream

Let's go - XMR/Monero (CPU) mining

1. Mining-Software Download xmrig and check its integrity

If you haven't already done so, download the latest version of the mining software xmrig/GitHub Releases. Next, the zip file must be checked for integrity before unpacking. This check ensures that you have received the original file and not a modified/malicious file. You can find more information on the subject of checksum checking Checksum check

Now perform the checksum check of the downloaded file with the following command.

$ Certutil.exe -hashfile .\monero-gui-install-win-x64-v0.18.3.3.exe sha256

2. xmrig Unpack archive file

If the checksums are identical (point 1), the file can now be unpacked. This means unpacking the archive file now.

3. xmrig Virus & threat protection

It is possible that Windows Defender will appear after unpacking. The following or similar message may appear.

"Windows Defender Antivirus hat Bedrohnung festgestellt. Weitere Details".

This message appeared in 2019. In 2024, Windows Defender has probably learned its lesson and this message no longer appears. If this message still appears for you, then the miner "xmrig" must be approved via Defender. Of course, only if your checksum check (point 1) has confirmed the file integrity.

If this message does not appear, this point can be skipped.

4. xmrig Open and adjust configuration file config.json

The file "config.json" is located in the xmrig-6.21.2 folder. Now open this configuration file with an editor, e.g. Notepad.

The config.json file must then be adjusted in points 1-6.

You can download this file preconfigured via Mining-Config-File. Then you just have to replace the Monero address entered there with yours. You are also welcome to mine on this address for test purposes if you want to "donate" something to me ;)

Now adjust your config.json file as follows.

1. donate-level
   Enter 1-5 here. You decide what percentage of hash power you want to give to the xmrig developer.
2. url
   Enter "pool.supportxmr.com:443" here. This is the mining URL of the mining pool.
3. user
   Enter your Monero address here. The mined Monero coins will be sent to this address.
4. rig-id
   Enter "worker1" here.
5. keepalive
   Enter "true" here.
6. tls
   Enter "true" here.

5. Monero-Mining start

That's basically it. Now you can start your Monero miner. To do this, double-click the file "xmrig.exe". The Monero miner will open in the shell. Mining will then begin immediately.

After about 1-2 minutes, the message (1) "new job" should appear. This means that the miner has been recognized and accepted by the mining pool and that the miner is now mining Monero coins.

With point (2) you can use certain keys to display further options. The h key displays the hashrate. With p you can pause your miner. With r mining continues and with c you can check how many connections have been established.

To exit the miner, simply press [CTRL] + [c]. The window can then be closed.

Note that the hashrate is never stable. It fluctuates quite a lot. With an i7 (7500U) the hashrate fluctuates between 600-800 H/s. With an i7 (7600) the hashrate fluctuates between 900-1300H/s, etc.

6. Check mining yield and configure payout limit

The yield check of the coins earned so far is carried out via the mining pool. To do this, go to the mining pool SupportXMR and enter your Monero wallet/deposit address (1) and press Enter.

If the message "Address Not Found" appears here, then you are too fast or the address is not yet known in the Monero network. This can happen if you have just created the Monero wallet. In this case, simply wait about 10-20 minutes or until your wallet has the status "Wallet is synchronized" and then enter your address again under (1).

After a maximum of 2 hours, the view on SupportXMR should look like this. (1) Moneros already mined. (2) Moneros paid out to your address so far. (3) Withdrawal limit configuration. (4) Your wallet address. (5) Your current hashrate.

To change the withdrawal limit, simply click on the configuration and enter the desired amount (1) and confirm with the "Set Threshold" button.

Done! You are now minting Moneros using the CPU via the SupportXMR mining pool. As soon as the payout limit defined above is reached, your Moneros will automatically be paid out to your Monero address.