Xmrig MO is a free, open source mining program for Windows, built as a fork of the XMRig CPU miner. It is aimed at people who want to mine with their processor and who need a miner that can change algorithms as conditions change, which is a feature that the original project does not emphasize in the same way.
The program is developed on GitHub and its latest release is v6.26.0-mo5, with the most recent code update dated September 7, 2026. Before you run any miner, read the safety section below: mining software is a common target for fake downloads, so the source you use matters as much as the program itself.
What Is Xmrig MO and Who Is It For?
Xmrig MO is a command-line mining program. It does not come with a graphical window for everyday control, so it suits users who are comfortable editing text files and running programs from a terminal or a batch script on Windows.
The typical user is someone mining Monero (XMR) or another supported algorithm on a personal computer, a home server or a small rig. Because it is free and open source, it is also popular with people who want to read the code, check what it does, or build their own version.
It is less suitable for complete beginners who expect a one-click setup. Expect to spend time on configuration before the first successful run.
How Mining Algorithms Shape Your Choice of Software
Each cryptocurrency uses a mining algorithm, which is the mathematical puzzle that miners solve to add blocks. The algorithm decides which hardware performs best. RandomX, for example, was designed to favor general-purpose CPUs, while KawPow and Ethash-style algorithms were built with graphics cards in mind.
The algorithms supported by Xmrig MO include KawPow, RandomX, GhostRider and CryptoNight. Because they differ so much, a miner that can switch between them is useful when you want to follow changes in profitability or when a coin you mine changes its algorithm.
Keep in mind that the choice of algorithm is a technical decision, not a guarantee of earnings. Results depend on your hardware, electricity costs, pool fees and the network difficulty at the time.
Practical Scenarios Where This Miner Fits
A common scenario is a desktop PC that is idle overnight. A user can configure the CPU to mine Monero while the machine is otherwise unused, and stop the process when it is needed for work. The ability to change settings while the miner is running helps in this case.
Another scenario is a small mixed rig with a CPU and one or two GPUs. The OpenCL path for AMD cards and the CUDA plugin for NVIDIA cards let one program handle several types of hardware, although each vendor's path is configured separately.
A third scenario is testing. Developers and hobbyists use the RandomX benchmark mode to compare the performance of different processors before committing to a setup.
Key features
CPU mining on many architectures
OpenCL support for AMD GPUs
CUDA support for NVIDIA GPUs
Algorithm switching
Supported coins
The documentation mentions Monero (XMR) as the coin supported for mining. The algorithms available in the program are KawPow, RandomX, GhostRider and CryptoNight. Before you start, confirm that the pool you connect to supports the algorithm and coin you intend to mine.
How to install Xmrig MO on Windows
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Step 1: Download from the official source
Get the Windows build from the official Xmrig MO repository on GitHub, at https://github.com/MoneroOcean/xmrig, using the Releases page. Download only from the official website or this official GitHub repository. Do not use files from forums, file-sharing sites or links sent to you in messages.
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Step 2: Verify the file
Compare the SHA-256 checksum of the downloaded archive with the value published on the release page. If the project provides a signature, verify it as well. A mismatch means the file may have been altered, and you should not run it.
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Step 3: Extract to a dedicated folder
Unpack the archive into a folder you control, such as a folder in your user directory. Keeping the miner, its config file and logs together makes maintenance easier and avoids mixing files with other programs.
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Step 4: Create the configuration
Prepare a JSON config file with your pool address, wallet address and chosen algorithm. The JSON format is recommended over command-line flags because it supports mining profiles and is easier to read.
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Step 5: Run and check
Start the miner from a terminal or a batch file and watch the output for connection messages and hashrate reports. If it fails to connect, check the pool address and port first.
System requirements
- Windows is the target platform for the ready-made program
- A processor that supports the algorithm you plan to mine; CPU mining works on x86 and x64 systems
- For AMD GPU mining: a card compatible with OpenCL
- For NVIDIA GPU mining: the external CUDA plugin installed alongside the main program
How to use Xmrig MO
Using Xmrig MO is mostly a matter of preparing a configuration and checking that it works. The JSON config file is the preferred approach, because the command-line interface does not expose every option, such as mining profiles for different algorithms.
A typical workflow looks like this:
- Open the example config file included with the program and copy it to a new file.
- Enter the pool URL, port and your wallet address for the coin you are mining.
- Select the algorithm and set the number of CPU threads or GPU devices you want to use.
- Save the file and start the miner, pointing it at the config.
- Watch the log for accepted shares and the reported hashrate.
- Change options such as thread count while the miner runs, either by editing the config or by sending API calls, which avoids a full restart.
After the first run, adjust one setting at a time so you can see the effect of each change on performance and stability.
Pros & cons
- Free and open source, so the code can be inspected
- Supports CPU mining across several architectures
- Algorithm switching and mining profiles for different algorithms
- Options can be changed at runtime without a restart
- Works with both AMD (OpenCL) and NVIDIA (CUDA plugin) hardware
- Command-line oriented, with no graphical interface
- NVIDIA support requires a separate plugin
- Configuration takes time to learn for beginners
- Antivirus software may flag mining programs
- Profitability depends heavily on hardware and electricity costs
Is Xmrig MO safe?
Mining software is a frequent target for counterfeit builds, so treat the download with care. Obtain the program only from the official GitHub repository or the project's official website. Verify the SHA-256 checksum or signature before running the file, and never use a copy from an unofficial mirror.
Many antivirus tools flag mining programs as potentially unwanted, because they use CPU and GPU resources intensively. This is often a false positive for a legitimate miner, but do not respond by disabling your protection entirely. Instead, add a specific exclusion for the verified folder if your antivirus allows it, and keep the rest of your protection active.
The project shows a recent code update, but check the release page for the latest status before you commit to a long-term setup. Never enter a seed phrase or private key on a third-party website.
- Official source only. Download from github.com/MoneroOcean/xmrig. 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 MO shares its core with the original XMRig, but it differs in its focus on algorithm switching and mining profiles for several algorithms. If your main goal is Monero on a CPU and you want the upstream project's broad support, the original XMRig is the natural reference point.
Other programs on this catalog cover different niches. BzMiner, GMiner and NBMiner are GPU-oriented, so they suit rigs built around graphics cards rather than CPUs. Nanominer is tied to the Nanopool ecosystem, and Cpuminer Multi is another CPU-focused option with support for many algorithms. Chia Blockchain works on a different consensus model and is not a mining program in the same sense.
When choosing, match the tool to your hardware and the algorithm you want to mine, rather than to a general reputation.
Specifications
- Price
- Free
- Type
- Open source
- License
- —
- Latest version
- v6.26.0-mo5
- Last update
- 7 Sept 2026
- Windows support
- Yes (Windows build or installer)
- Source code
- github.com/MoneroOcean/xmrig
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Xmrig MO is distributed as free, open source software. You can download it from the official GitHub repository and use it without a license fee. Note that the pool you mine with may charge its own fees, which are separate from the program itself.
Yes, Windows is one of the supported platforms, and the project provides a Windows build. Download it from the official source, verify the checksum, extract it to a folder of your choice, and configure it before running. Windows is the platform this page covers.
The documentation mentions Monero (XMR) as the coin for this miner. The supported algorithms include KawPow, RandomX, GhostRider and CryptoNight. Confirm that your chosen pool supports the coin and algorithm before you start mining.
Yes, with conditions. AMD graphics cards are supported through OpenCL. NVIDIA cards require an external CUDA plugin that you install separately. The CPU can be used without any extra plugin.
It is safe when obtained from the official GitHub repository and verified with its SHA-256 checksum or signature. Avoid copies from unofficial sites, since counterfeit mining programs are a known risk. Antivirus tools may flag the miner, so review the detection carefully before creating an exclusion.
Mining software uses significant processor and graphics resources, which many security tools treat as suspicious. This is often a false positive for legitimate miners. If you have verified the file's checksum from the official source, you can add an exclusion for its folder while leaving your protection enabled.
Yes. Important options can be changed during runtime by editing the config file or by executing API calls. This is one of the practical advantages of the JSON configuration approach.
Verdict
Xmrig MO is a sensible choice for Windows users who want a free, open source CPU miner with algorithm switching and mining profiles. It rewards patience: the configuration is technical, and the software is command-line based. It suits hobbyists and experienced users who value transparency and control. Those who want a graphical interface or a simple one-click setup should look at other programs in the catalog.