Monero Mining: How to Mine XMR Using P2Pool and XMRig on Linux, MacOS, and Windows
Key takeaways
- P2Pool enables decentralized, no-fee Monero mining with instant payouts
- XMRig supports CPU mining of Monero across Linux, MacOS, and Windows
- Running your own P2Pool node ensures privacy and control over mining rewards
- No registration, KYC, or minimum payouts required for Monero mining via P2Pool
- Performance tuning and wallet setup are crucial for efficient Monero mining
Monero mining can be efficiently performed on Linux, MacOS, and Windows by combining P2Pool and XMRig, offering a truly decentralized and private mining experience. This method allows miners to mine Monero (XMR) directly to their own wallets without paying pool fees or relying on third-party pool servers. The official Monero wallet can be downloaded from getmonero.org/downloads to securely receive mining rewards.
Why Choose P2Pool for Monero Mining
P2Pool is a decentralized mining pool protocol that enables miners to contribute their hash power without relying on centralized pools. It operates as a sidechain and allows miners to run their own nodes, which means you control your block templates and payouts. Key advantages include:
- No registration or KYC requirements.
- Zero pool fees, meaning you keep 100% of your rewards.
- Instant payouts every time a block is found on the P2Pool network.
- Enhanced privacy and fairness compared to traditional mining pools.
- Your mining power directly secures the Monero network.
This setup is ideal for those who want to avoid centralized control and maintain privacy while mining.

Video: Monero Mining on Linux, MacOS & Windows – P2Pool + XMRig Full Tutorial (GUPAX) | Solo Mining XMR
Setting Up Your Wallet and P2Pool Node
Before mining, set up your Monero wallet from getmonero.org/downloads. You can choose either the GUI or CLI version depending on your preference. Your wallet address will be used to receive mining rewards.
Next, install and configure a P2Pool node. You can run the node locally on your machine or connect to a remote P2Pool node. Running a local node enhances decentralization and privacy but requires syncing the blockchain, which can be resource-intensive.
To install P2Pool:
- Visit https://github.com/SChernykh/p2pool and clone the repository.
- Follow the instructions to run the node compatible with Monero.
- Configure the node to connect to your Monero daemon.
Once your node is running, you can monitor your mining shares and hashrate with the P2Pool Observer.
Installing and Configuring XMRig on Linux, MacOS, and Windows
XMRig is a high-performance miner for Monero that supports CPU mining across multiple platforms.
Linux (Ubuntu/Debian):
- Download the latest XMRig release or compile from source.
- Configure `config.json` to point to your P2Pool node.
- Run XMRig with root privileges for optimal performance.
MacOS (Intel & Apple Silicon):
- Install dependencies using Homebrew if needed.
- Download or build XMRig manually.
- Edit the config file with your wallet address and P2Pool node details.
- Launch XMRig; performance tuning may include CPU affinity and thread count adjustments.
Windows:
- Use the GUPAX GUI miner for an easy setup.
- Point it to a remote P2Pool node or your local node.
- Run XMRig with administrative privileges to boost hashrate.
Across all platforms, it’s important to:
- Set your wallet address correctly.
- Specify the P2Pool node URL and port.
- Tune CPU threads to balance temperature and performance.
Optimizations and Performance Tips for Monero CPU Mining
Mining Monero efficiently with CPUs requires some fine-tuning:
- Run XMRig with admin/root privileges to unlock full CPU potential.
- Monitor CPU temperature to avoid overheating, especially on MacOS Apple Silicon where the miner is efficient and cool.
- Adjust the number of mining threads to optimize CPU utilization without impacting system responsiveness.
- Use the P2Pool Observer to verify shares and monitor your effective hashrate.
The GUPAX miner simplifies this process with a clean interface and cross-platform compatibility.
Understanding Payouts and Mining Rewards on P2Pool
Unlike traditional pools that distribute block rewards proportionally, P2Pool's payout depends on shares found. If no shares are found within a period, no payouts occur. This means miners with lower hashrate may experience longer waits between payouts. However, every payout is instant once a block is found, and the rewards go directly to your wallet without fees.
This system incentivizes consistent mining and contributes directly to the network’s security.
Common Questions and Troubleshooting
- How to handle slow payouts? Miners with lower hash rates might need extended mining times to receive rewards.
- Can I mine without syncing the entire blockchain? Using remote P2Pool nodes with GUPAX allows mining without full blockchain sync.
- How to monitor mining performance remotely? Dockerized GUPAX with noVNC enables browser-based monitoring on headless servers.
- Why does running XMRig as admin/root increase hashrate? Elevated privileges allow better CPU resource management and optimizations.
Useful Links
- Monero wallet downloads: https://www.getmonero.org/downloads/
- GUPAX miner: https://short-url.cc/1zm8Y
- P2Pool repository: https://github.com/SChernykh/p2pool
- P2Pool Observer: https://p2pool.io/observer/
Summary
Monero mining with P2Pool and XMRig offers a decentralized, fair, and private approach to mining XMR across Linux, MacOS, and Windows. By running your own P2Pool node or connecting to remote nodes, you eliminate pool fees, avoid KYC, and maintain full control over your mining rewards. Performance tuning and proper wallet setup are key to maximizing your mining efficiency. This comprehensive method was detailed by the channel "We're looking for cool stuff on GitHub.", providing a reliable guide to solo-like Monero mining. For secure wallet downloads and updates, visit getmonero.org/downloads.
Source: Monero Mining on Linux, MacOS & Windows – P2Pool + XMRig Full Tutorial (GUPAX) | Solo Mining XMR · Markdown version
Questions & answers
What is P2Pool and why is it better for Monero mining?
P2Pool is a decentralized mining pool protocol that eliminates pool fees and KYC requirements by allowing miners to run their own nodes. This ensures fair, instant payouts and greater privacy compared to traditional centralized pools.
How do I set up XMRig to mine Monero on different operating systems?
XMRig supports Linux, MacOS, and Windows. You configure it by editing the config file to include your wallet address and P2Pool node details. On Windows, the GUPAX GUI simplifies setup. Running the miner with admin or root privileges improves performance.
Why might some miners experience delayed payouts on P2Pool?
P2Pool payouts depend on shares found during mining. If no shares are found for a period, no payout occurs. Miners with lower hash rates may have to wait longer to receive rewards, as payouts happen only when blocks are found.
Can I mine Monero without downloading the full blockchain?
Yes, by connecting XMRig to a remote P2Pool node, you can mine without syncing the entire blockchain locally. Tools like GUPAX support this setup, enabling quick mining starts on any desktop or server.