How to mine Monero with a CPU on a home computer
You can mine Monero on a home CPU with RandomX software, alone or in a pool. You need a wallet, and you will want to watch heat and payout rules.
Vahe HakobyanEditor-in-chief
Updated Oct 6, 20263 min readFact-checked
On this page
- RandomX was built to prevent ASIC mining.
- Keep the wallet seed phrase offline and private.
- Mined Monero counts as income when you receive it.
RandomX is the proof-of-work algorithm Monero introduced in November 2019, built so ordinary processors can take part. A home computer can mine, alone or in a pool.
What do you need before you start?
Monero uses RandomX, an algorithm built to prevent ASIC mining, so a consumer CPU mines it with reasonable efficiency. You can mine solo, keeping the whole block reward when you find one, or join a pool that combines miners' power and splits rewards. Pick software from the developer's official source and set up a Monero wallet for payouts.
How do you mine Monero step by step?
With your wallet ready, you connect the miner to it. Check every value you enter, because a mistyped address sends payouts somewhere you do not control.
- 1Install the mining softwareDownload it from the developer's official page and check any signatures.
- 2Enter wallet and pool detailsPut your Monero address, the pool address, and a worker name in the config file.
- 3Start the minerLet it run a few minutes and confirm the CPU is hashing and, in a pool, that shares are accepted.
- 4Watch the CPU temperatureUse a hardware monitor. If the temperature approaches the chip's limit, stop and adjust.
- 5Reduce threads if it runs hotLower the thread count until the CPU runs cooler and stays responsive.
What should you do after mining Monero?
The IRS treats cryptocurrency as property, so the Monero you mine counts as income when you receive it. Record the date, amount, and dollar value of each payout.
Frequently asked questions
It can push a processor hard, and heat is what wears hardware. Watch the temperature and cut threads if it runs hot.
A pool usually suits beginners, since payouts come in smaller amounts more often. Solo mining pays only when you find a block.
Yes, the CPU runs continuously, so mining adds to your power bill. The amount depends on your processor and local rate.
