Is it a Virus?
NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files\NiceHash Miner\NiceHashMiner.exe
Warning
Multiple processes can be normal
Each device and algorithm may run as separate mining workers
Can I Disable?
YES
You can stop mining and disable startup to prevent auto-run
What is NiceHashMiner.exe?
nicehashminer.exe is the launcher for the NiceHash Miner software. It coordinates mining tasks across CPUs and GPUs, connects to the NiceHash marketplace to bid hashing power, benchmarks devices, and manages worker threads and profitability-based algorithm switching.
NiceHash Miner uses a multi-device, profitability-driven approach. It benchmarks hardware, selects the most profitable algorithms, and dynamically shifts workloads while enforcing safety limits like thermal and power constraints.
Quick Fact: NiceHash Miner automates algorithm switching to maximize hash rate-per-watt across your configured devices.
Types of NiceHash Miner Processes
- Mining Controller: Orchestrates mining on all devices and selects profitable algorithms
- Device Worker: Dedicated worker per GPU/CPU to handle hashing tasks
- Benchmark Session: Benchmark runs to estimate profitability on hardware
- Telemetry Thread: Sends performance data and status back to NiceHash services
Is nicehashminer.exe Safe?
Yes, nicehashminer.exe is safe when obtained from official NiceHash sources or installers distributed by NiceHash and used as intended.
Is nicehashminer.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real nicehashminer.exe is not a virus. However, as with any mining software, always verify the file location and digital signature.
How to Tell if nicehashminer.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\NiceHash Miner\NiceHashMiner.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\NiceHash Miner\NiceHashMiner.exe. Any other location is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the executable in Explorer > Properties > Digital Signatures. Should show a trusted signer like "NiceHash" or the official certificate authority.
- Resource Usage: Normal usage varies by device but typical steady CPU/GPU activity is expected during mining. Abnormal spikes while idle are suspicious.
- Behavior: NiceHash Miner should not mine without user action unless configured for auto-start. Unexpected background mining warrants a malware scan.
Red Flags: If nicehashminer.exe is located outside the Program Files path, runs when the system is idle without user action, lacks a valid signature, or uses resources constantly, scan with updated antivirus. Be wary of similarly named files.
Why Is nicehashminer.exe Running on My PC?
nicehashminer.exe runs when mining is active or configured to start at system boot. It coordinates device workloads and profitability-driven algorithm switching.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Mining Session: You started mining or a scheduled task triggered mining automatically.
- Background Miner Enabled: Miner continues to run in the background to maximize uptime and profitability.
- Startup Launch: NiceHash Miner is configured to launch on Windows startup for quick access.
- Profitability Tuning: The software benchmarks and adjusts algorithms in real time to chase higher payouts.
- Telemetry and Device Management: Worker threads and telemetry run to report status and optimize device scheduling.
Can I Disable or Remove nicehashminer.exe?
Yes, you can disable nicehashminer.exe. It's safe to stop mining when not needed, and you can uninstall NiceHash Miner if you prefer not to use it.
How to Stop nicehashminer.exe
- End Mining Process: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), locate NiceHash Miner / NiceHashMiner.exe, and End Task
- Close Miner UI: Right-click the tray icon and select Exit or Quit to stop all active mining tasks
- Disable Startup: Task Manager > Startup tab > Disable NiceHash Miner
- Stop Background Mining: In NiceHash Miner settings, disable options like 'Launch on Windows startup' and 'Continue running in background'
- Uninstall: Windows Settings > Apps > Apps & Features > NiceHash Miner > Uninstall
How to Uninstall NiceHash Miner
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → NiceHash Miner → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → NiceHash Miner → Uninstall
- ✔ Restart your PC after uninstall
Common Problems: High CPU/GPU or Low Hash Rate
If nicehashminer.exe is not performing as expected, check for configuration or hardware issues and confirm software integrity.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too many devices or aggressive overclock: Reduce the number of active devices in the miner, or revert aggressive overclocks to safe levels.
- Outdated drivers: Update GPU/CPU drivers from the manufacturer (NVIDIA/AMD) and restart.
- Incorrect power or cooling: Ensure adequate cooling and stable power supply; monitor temperatures and adjust fan curves.
- Network or pool connectivity issues: Verify internet connection and pool URL. Check firewall rules allowing NiceHash Miner traffic.
- Mining profitability shifts: Let the optimizer run, or manually adjust algorithms to match current market conditions.
- Disabled mining mode in settings: Re-enable mining mode and verify devices are recognized in the miner UI.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open NiceHash Miner Task Manager (Shift+Ctrl+Esc) to identify high-usage devices
2. Update GPU drivers from the manufacturer
3. Check and adjust power/delta settings for devices
4. Restart NiceHash Miner and re-benchmark if needed
5. Ensure Windows power plan is set to High Performance
Frequently Asked Questions
Is nicehashminer.exe safe to use?
Yes, when downloaded from official NiceHash sources. Verify the file path is in C:\Program Files\NiceHash Miner\ and that the digital signature matches NiceHash.
Why is nicehashminer.exe using so much CPU or GPU?
Mining workloads are device-driven. High usage occurs during hashing or benchmarking. Check device utilization in the miner UI and adjust device load or overclock settings.
Can I uninstall NiceHash Miner without losing my data?
Uninstalling the miner removes the software, but it does not erase your wallet or account data stored on NiceHash. Your payout history remains in your NiceHash account.
Does NiceHash Miner start on Windows startup?
It can, if configured in settings. You can disable startup in Task Manager > Startup or in NiceHash Miner settings.
Can I mine with CPU only using NiceHash Miner?
Yes, you can configure to use CPU mining if desired, but profitability and efficiency vary by hardware and algorithms.
Is NiceHash Miner open source?
NiceHash Miner is proprietary software. It is not fully open source; use official sources to ensure integrity and security.