Monero Mining: How to Mine XMR Using P2Pool and XMRig on Linux, MacOS & Windows

Sep 17, 2026 · based on the channel We're looking for cool stuff on GitHub.

Monero mining offers a unique approach to cryptocurrency mining by focusing on privacy, decentralization, and fair reward distribution. Using P2Pool, a decentralized mining pool protocol, combined with the powerful XMRig miner, users can mine Monero (XMR) efficiently on Linux, MacOS, and Windows platforms. This setup allows miners to mine directly to their own wallets, eliminating pool fees and enhancing control over payouts.

## What is Monero Mining and Why Use P2Pool?
Monero mining involves validating transactions and securing the Monero blockchain by solving cryptographic puzzles with CPUs or GPUs. Unlike traditional mining pools, P2Pool operates as a decentralized sidechain mining pool that does not require registration, KYC, or minimum payout thresholds. This means miners retain full privacy and receive instant payouts every time a block is found on the P2Pool network.

P2Pool's decentralized nature ensures that miners control their own node and block template, which contributes directly to Monero's network security. This eliminates the risks associated with centralized pools, such as censorship or unfair reward distribution. Additionally, since P2Pool doesn’t charge fees, miners keep 100% of their earned rewards.

## Setting Up Your Monero Wallet and Node
Before mining, you need a Monero wallet to receive your mining rewards. The official Monero GUI or CLI wallets can be downloaded from getmonero.org/downloads. It is crucial to secure your wallet address and keep your private keys safe.

Next, running your own P2Pool node is recommended. You can set it up locally on your machine or connect to a remote P2Pool node. Running a node gives you full control over mining operations and improves privacy by removing intermediaries. The P2Pool code is available on GitHub at https://github.com/SChernykh/p2pool.

Video: Monero Mining on Linux, MacOS & Windows – P2Pool + XMRig Full Tutorial (GUPAX) | Solo Mining XMR

## Installing and Configuring XMRig on Linux, MacOS, and Windows
XMRig is a highly configurable open-source miner for Monero that supports CPU mining across multiple operating systems.

### Linux Setup (Ubuntu/Debian)
1. Download the latest XMRig release from the official repository.
2. Ensure dependencies like `build-essential` and `libuv` are installed.
3. Configure `config.json` to point to your P2Pool node with your wallet address.
4. Run XMRig with root privileges to maximize CPU performance.

### MacOS Setup
1. Use Homebrew to install dependencies or manually compile XMRig.
2. Configure mining parameters similarly to Linux, targeting your P2Pool node.
3. Apple Silicon users can expect efficient hashrates (e.g., 6 KH/s on M2 Pro) with low heat generation.

### Windows Setup
1. Download the GUPAX GUI miner or XMRig binaries.
2. Configure the miner to connect to your P2Pool node.
3. Running as Administrator can boost CPU hashrate.
4. GUPAX provides a user-friendly interface, especially beneficial for users who want to avoid full blockchain sync.

## Running Your P2Pool Node and Monitoring Mining
Starting your own P2Pool node involves launching the P2Pool software configured for your system. Once operational, connect XMRig to this node using your wallet address.

You can monitor your mining shares and hashrate using the P2Pool Observer at https://p2pool.io/observer/. This tool displays real-time data on your contribution and payout status.

### Payout Logic and Mining Rewards
Unlike traditional pools that distribute block rewards proportionally, P2Pool payouts depend on shares submitted. If no shares are found for an extended period, miners may experience delayed payouts or none at all. This means slower miners might wait longer to receive rewards, reflecting the solo-like mining nature of P2Pool.

## Performance Optimization Tips for CPU Mining
To maximize Monero mining efficiency:
- Run XMRig with administrator or root permissions to unlock full CPU potential.
- Optimize your config file by adjusting thread count and CPU affinity.
- On MacOS, monitor CPU temperatures to prevent overheating, especially on Apple Silicon devices.
- Use lightweight GUIs like GUPAX for Windows and headless setups with Docker and noVNC for remote monitoring.

## Addressing Common Questions and Concerns
Mining with P2Pool can raise questions about payout frequency and hardware efficiency. Since payouts depend on shares found, miners with low hashrates should be prepared for variable payout intervals. However, the advantage of zero fees and decentralized control often outweighs these delays.

Using GUIs like GUPAX simplifies connection to remote nodes, eliminating the need to sync the entire blockchain locally. This is helpful for users who want a quick start with minimal setup.

## Useful Links
- Official Monero Wallets: https://www.getmonero.org/downloads/
- GUPAX Miner: https://short-url.cc/1zm8Y
- P2Pool GitHub Repository: https://github.com/SChernykh/p2pool
- P2Pool Observer: https://p2pool.io/observer/

## Conclusion
Monero mining using P2Pool and XMRig offers a truly decentralized and private way to mine XMR across Linux, MacOS, and Windows. By running your own P2Pool node and mining directly to your wallet, you eliminate pool fees and maintain full control over your rewards. Performance can be optimized with proper setup and running miners with elevated privileges.

This guide is based on the comprehensive tutorial by the channel "We're looking for cool stuff on GitHub.", which provides a clean, minimal setup called GUPAX for solo-like mining on any desktop. For anyone interested in privacy-focused crypto mining, this method is both practical and rewarding.

For official Monero wallets and further resources, visit Monero Downloads.

Source: Monero Mining on Linux, MacOS & Windows – P2Pool + XMRig Full Tutorial (GUPAX) | Solo Mining XMR · Markdown version