Is it a Virus?
✖ NO - If it’s the legitimate XMRig miner from the official project and located in the proper folder
Commonly found in C:\Program Files\xmrig or C:\Program Files (x86)\xmrig
Warning
Many xmrig processes may be running for multi-thread CPU mining
Unsolicited mining can indicate malware; verify origin and consent
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
End mining via config or stop the process; close the runner or uninstall if not authorized
What is xmrig.exe?
xmrig.exe is the executable for the XMRig cryptocurrency miner. XMRig performs CPU and optionally GPU mining for Monero (XMR) by connecting to a mining pool and requesting work using the Stratum protocol. It can run as a foreground process or in the background depending on configuration.
XMRig implements a multi-threaded miner that negotiates with a mining pool over Stratum, uses RandomX algorithms, and scales threads to CPU/GPU capabilities. It includes config files and supports CPU/GPU mining with per-thread work and wallet addresses.
Quick Fact: XMRig started as an open-source CPU miner and expanded to GPU support; author and contributors publish on GitHub.
Types of XMRig Processes
- Worker Process: Main mining worker performing hash calculations
- CPU Thread Pool: Individual workload threads for CPU mining
- GPU Worker: If enabled, uses GPU to mine Monero with OpenCL/CUDA
- Config Loader: Parses, validates, and applies mining settings
- Network Manager: Handles pool connection, stratum messages, and throttling
- Wallet Sender: Integrates with pool to submit mined rewards to a wallet
Is xmrig.exe Safe?
Yes, xmrig.exe can be safe when obtained from the official XMRig project and used with explicit consent. Unsigned or third-party builds may be risky.
Is xmrig.exe a Virus or Malware?
The legitimate XMRig miner is not malware when downloaded from xmrig.net or github.com/xmrig/xmrig. Malicious miners may masquerade as xmrig.exe; verify signatures and source.
How to Tell if xmrig.exe is Legitimate
- File Location:: Must be in
C:\Program Files\xmrig\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\xmrig\. Else, treat as suspicious.
- Digital Signature:: Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show publisher 'XMRig' or 'xmrig' project from GitHub.
- Source Verification:: Download only from official sources: https://xmrig.net or https://github.com/xmrig/xmrig. Avoid unknown installers.
- Resource Usage:: Normal CPU usage varies with load; persistent 100% when idle could indicate unauthorized mining.
Red Flags: If xmrig.exe is found outside Program Files, lacks a valid signature, uses unusual network destinations, or runs when you’re not mining, scan with antivirus and check for malware.
Why Is xmrig.exe Running on My PC?
xmrig.exe runs when mining activity is configured or triggered, either by user action, startup tasks, or malicious software misusing the miner.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Mining Operation: You or software connected to a pool are actively mining Monero using the CPU/GPU resources.
- Background Mining by Legitimate Tools: Mining may be configured to run in the background by legitimate mining software or enterprise tools.
- Startup or Scheduled Task: xmrig.exe can be configured to launch at Windows startup or via a scheduled task.
- Malware Coin Miner: Many attackers deploy xmrig-based miners to illicitly mine XMR on compromised machines.
- Configuration Changes: Pool URL, wallet address, or intensity changes can cause xmrig.exe to resume running after updates.
Can I Disable or Remove xmrig.exe?
Yes, you can disable or remove xmrig.exe. Stop mining, undo startup entries, and uninstall if you are not intentionally mining.
How to Stop xmrig.exe
- Pause/Stop Mining: If a GUI is used, click Stop; if running headless, terminate the process from Task Manager.
- End Process: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), locate xmrig.exe, right-click → End Task
- Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable any xmrig entries
- Check Scheduled Tasks: Task Scheduler → Review for xmrig-related tasks and disable
- Uninstall: Windows Settings → Apps → XMRig → Uninstall (if installed intentionally)
How to Uninstall xmrig
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → XMRig → Uninstall
- ✔ Delete installation folder: C:\Program Files\xmrig or C:\Program Files (x86)\xmrig
- ✔ Remove startup tasks or services that launch xmrig
Common Problems: High CPU or GPU Usage with xmrig
If xmrig.exe is consuming excessive resources, these are common causes and fixes specific to the miner.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Improper CPU thread count: Edit config.json to adjust the 'threads' value or run with --threads flag to limit CPU usage.
- Unauthorized mining: Scan with antivirus; remove the unauthorized xmrig and restore the system; verify legitimate mining setup.
- GPU mining enabled without cooling: Disable GPU mining in config or set a lower intensity; ensure proper cooling and drivers.
- Malicious extension or loader: Check startup tasks, services, and autostart entries; clean up untrusted software.
- Pool or wallet misconfiguration: Verify pool URL, port, wallet address; reconfigure xmrig with correct credentials.
- Outdated miner: Update to the latest XMRig release from official sources to fix bugs and improve efficiency.
Quick Fixes:
1. Quick Fixes:
2. 1. Open Task Manager and end xmrig.exe or the mining worker
3. Check and adjust config.json to cap threads and set pool
4. Update to the latest version from https://xmrig.com or https://github.com/xmrig/xmrig
5. Run antivirus scan and remove any suspicious files
6. Ensure cooling and check system health
Frequently Asked Questions
Is xmrig.exe a virus?
xmrig.exe is not inherently a virus when obtained from the official XMRig project. Verify the file path (C:\Program Files\xmrig\xmrig.exe) and digital signature; beware of counterfeit builds.
Why is xmrig.exe using so much CPU?
XMRig uses CPU threads to mine; high usage occurs under heavy load, misconfiguration, or when a malicious miner runs; reduce threads or disable mining.
How do I remove xmrig from Windows?
Uninstall via Settings → Apps → XMRig → Uninstall. Delete the installation folder and scan for related startup entries to ensure complete removal.
Can xmrig mine without consent?
Yes, if installed by malware. Always verify the origin, run antivirus scans, and block or remove unauthorized miners.
Is xmrig safe to use for legitimate mining?
Legitimate mining with xmrig is safe when downloaded from official sources and run with consent. Ensure wallet and pool configuration are correct and monitor resource usage.
How do I configure xmrig to mine with a pool?
Edit config.json or run with command-line options, specifying pool URL, port, and wallet address; example: pool URL: pool.minexmr.com:10100, wallet: YOUR_WALLET