XMRig CUDA is a free, open-source plugin that adds NVIDIA GPU support to the XMRig mining engine. It is aimed at hobbyists and rig operators on Windows who already run XMRig or want to use their graphics cards for supported proof-of-work algorithms. Because it is a plugin rather than a standalone miner, it works together with the main XMRig program and is configured through the same settings.
The project is written in C and C++ and is distributed through the official GitHub repository, where the source code and release builds are published. The most recent release is v6.22.1, and the last code update was made on June 4, 2025. Anyone considering it should check the Releases page for the latest build before downloading.
What Is XMRig CUDA and How It Fits Into XMRig
XMRig is one of the best-known open-source mining engines, widely used for CPU mining and for GPU mining on several algorithms. XMRig CUDA is a companion component that targets NVIDIA hardware. Instead of being a separate application with its own interface, it sits inside the XMRig workflow.
This design matters in practice. If you already know how to set a pool address, a wallet, and a worker name in XMRig, those same settings apply here. The plugin mainly changes which hardware does the work.
Who Is This Software For?
The plugin is most useful for people who operate NVIDIA-based mining rigs and are comfortable editing configuration files. Typical users include:
- Home miners with one or a few NVIDIA graphics cards who want to experiment with GPU mining.
- Developers and researchers studying how CUDA mining kernels are structured.
- Operators of small rigs who prefer open-source tools they can inspect and build themselves.
It is less suited to someone looking for a graphical, click-through application. Setup involves text files, command-line arguments, and some knowledge of your GPU drivers.
How Proof-of-Work Mining Uses Your GPU
Proof-of-work mining means your hardware repeatedly computes hashes in search of a valid solution for a block. A GPU is well suited to this because it runs thousands of parallel threads. Software like XMRig CUDA sends work to those threads and reports results to a mining pool.
Hashrate, the number of hashes a device computes per second, is the most common performance measure. Actual output depends on the algorithm, the card, the driver version, power limits, and the pool you connect to, so any expectations should be tested on your own hardware.
Understanding Pools, Wallets, and Workers
Most individual miners connect to a mining pool, which combines the hashrate of many participants and splits rewards in proportion to their contributions. You provide a wallet address so rewards can be paid out, and a worker name to tell your rigs apart in the pool dashboard.
Keeping these three elements straight prevents the most common beginner mistakes: pointing a miner at the wrong algorithm, mistyping an address, or running several rigs under one unlabeled worker.
Key features
NVIDIA GPU acceleration
Works with the XMRig engine
Open source code
Free to use
Windows-ready builds
How to install XMRig CUDA on Windows
- 1
Choose the official source
Go to the project's GitHub Releases page at github.com/xmrig/xmrig-cuda/releases. Download the build for Windows from there, and avoid copies offered by third-party download sites.
- 2
Check the file
Compare the SHA-256 checksum of the downloaded archive with the value published alongside the release, if one is provided. Verify any digital signature if the release includes one. A mismatch means the file should not be used.
- 3
Extract to a dedicated folder
Unzip the archive into a clear folder, such as C:\Mining\xmrig-cuda. Keep the XMRig engine and the CUDA plugin files together so the program can find its components.
- 4
Prepare your NVIDIA drivers
Install a current NVIDIA driver from nvidia.com. Outdated drivers are a frequent cause of crashes and errors in CUDA workloads.
-
Configure and test
Edit the configuration file with your pool address, wallet, and worker name. Run the program from a command prompt first to read the output messages before setting it to start automatically.
System requirements
- Windows operating system
- NVIDIA graphics card with a current driver installed
How to use XMRig CUDA
Using XMRig CUDA follows the same pattern as the main XMRig miner, since the plugin works through it. The steps below assume you have downloaded the Windows build and extracted it.
- Open your configuration file in a plain-text editor and enter the pool address you intend to use.
- Add your wallet address in the field the pool expects, and set a clear worker name for this machine.
- Select the CUDA option in the configuration so the GPU is used rather than the CPU alone.
- Open a command prompt in the program folder and start the miner from there, so error messages stay visible.
- Watch the first few minutes of output for accepted shares, hashrate figures, and any warnings about memory or driver versions.
- Adjust settings such as intensity or thread count gradually, observing temperature and stability after each change.
- Once the setup runs steadily, create a startup script or scheduled task if you want it to run automatically.
Pros & cons
- Free and open source, with code available for inspection
- Extends a widely used mining engine rather than replacing it
- Uses familiar XMRig settings and configuration
- Pre-built Windows files available from the official Releases page
- Requires editing configuration files and comfort with the command line
- Limited to NVIDIA hardware; AMD owners need other tools
- Project documentation is technical and assumes some background knowledge
- Performance depends heavily on drivers, cooling, and power settings
Is XMRig CUDA safe?
Mining software handles your wallet address and runs continuously on your hardware, so source matters. Download XMRig CUDA only from the official GitHub repository, and check the SHA-256 checksum or signature against the release notes before running anything. Be cautious of mirror sites and bundled installers that add unrelated programs.
Antivirus tools sometimes flag mining software as suspicious, often as a false positive. Rather than disabling your protection entirely, consider adding a narrowly scoped exclusion for the program folder after verifying the file. Also keep in mind that the last code update was made on June 4, 2025, so check the Releases page for newer builds and review open issues before relying on it for long-running operation.
- Official source only. Download from github.com/xmrig/xmrig-cuda. Ignore ads and lookalike domains.
- Check the SHA-256. Compare the installer hash with the value the developer publishes before running it.
- Never share your seed phrase. No developer, support agent or website — including CryptApps — will ever ask for it.
Alternatives
XMRig CUDA differs from standalone GPU miners in how it is packaged. Programs such as GMiner, NBMiner, Rigel, and T-Rex Miner each ship as complete applications with their own interfaces and option sets. XMRig CUDA instead adds NVIDIA support to the XMRig engine, so its strength is continuity: if your workflow already revolves around XMRig, the learning curve is small.
The trade-off is scope. Standalone NVIDIA miners often list a broader set of algorithms and provide more built-in tooling. For mining the algorithms XMRig supports, XMRig CUDA is a natural choice; for other algorithms, compare the alternatives before committing.
Specifications
- Price
- Free
- Type
- Open source
- License
- —
- Latest version
- v6.22.1
- Last update
- 4 Jun 2025
- Windows support
- Yes (Windows build or installer)
- Source code
- github.com/xmrig/xmrig-cuda
Frequently asked questions
Yes, XMRig CUDA is distributed as free software and its source code is published openly on GitHub. There is no paid version mentioned by the project. Download it only from the official repository to be sure you are getting the genuine release.
Yes, the project provides Windows builds through its GitHub Releases page. Extract the archive to a folder of your choice and configure it before running. Keep your NVIDIA driver updated for the most reliable results.
Yes, the plugin is built for NVIDIA GPUs using the CUDA interface. AMD graphics cards are not supported by this plugin, so AMD owners should look at other mining software that targets their hardware.
The software itself is open source, which allows inspection, but safety depends on where you get it. Use only the official GitHub Releases page and verify the checksum. Never enter private keys or seed phrases into third-party websites.
Antivirus programs often flag mining software because it uses significant CPU and GPU resources and can be misused. This is frequently a false positive. Verify the file first, then add a targeted exclusion for its folder instead of turning protection off.
You should keep your NVIDIA driver up to date, which provides the CUDA runtime on most systems. Building the plugin from source requires developer tools, but the ready-made Windows build is intended for ordinary users.
Yes, the miner connects to mining pools by address. Enter the pool's address, your wallet, and a worker name in the configuration file, then check the output to confirm that shares are being accepted.
Verdict
XMRig CUDA suits NVIDIA owners who already use XMRig or want an open-source, configurable way to mine with their graphics cards on Windows. It rewards patience and careful setup rather than offering a polished interface. Verify every download, keep your drivers current, and test settings on your own hardware before expecting any particular result.