xmrig-nvidia.exe

XMRig NVIDIA GPU Miner

Application ProcessCaution RequiredCryptominer

CPU Usage

2-15%

Memory

100-400 MB

Location

C:\Program Files\xmrig\nvidia\xmrig-nvidia.exe

Publisher

XMRig

Quick Answer

xmrig-nvidia.exe is a legitimate NVIDIA GPU mining binary from the XMRig project. It leverages CUDA kernels to accelerate RandomX mining on compatible NVIDIA GPUs and is configured via a JSON file and pool settings.

Is it a Virus?

NO - Safe

Must be in C:\Program Files\xmrig\nvidia\xmrig-nvidia.exe

Can I Disable?

YES - Stopping mining halts all GPU shares and may impact any legitimate remote monitoring setups

Disabling stops mining and can free GPU/CPU resources; ensure you have another monitoring method if you rely on this software for legitimate purposes

Can I Remove It?

YES - You can uninstall xmrig-nvidia.exe and delete associated config files

If you prefer not to mine, you can remove the binary and related config

What is xmrig-nvidia.exe?

xmrig-nvidia.exe is the NVIDIA GPU mining binary distributed with the XMRig mining software. It uses NVIDIA CUDA kernels to accelerate the RandomX algorithm on supported GPUs, enabling pool-based mining of Monero. It runs as a dedicated mining process, often alongside the CPU miner, and is controlled via xmrig.json and pool credentials.

xmrig-nvidia.exe launches a GPU-accelerated mining thread set that communicates with a Stratum pool. It allocates GPU memory, loads CUDA kernels, and submits computed shares while the rest of the system remains usable for other tasks.

Quick Fact: Xmrig-nvidia.exe requires compatible NVIDIA drivers and a configured mining pool to start producing valid shares.

Types of XMRig Nvidia Processes

Miner Process: GPU-accelerated mining engine for NVIDIA devices
CUDA Kernel Process: Executes CUDA kernels to generate shares
Pool Communication Process: Handles Stratum protocol messages with the mining pool
Config Worker: Parses xmrig.json and schedules mining jobs
Telemetry/Logs: Outputs mining statistics and error logs

Is xmrig-nvidia.exe Safe?

Yes, xmrig-nvidia.exe is safe when obtained from the official XMRig release and run with explicit user consent and properly configured pool settings.

Is xmrig-nvidia.exe a Virus or Malware?

The legitimate file is not a virus. Malware may disguise as xmrig-nvidia.exe. Always verify file location, signature, and pool configuration.

How to Tell if xmrig-nvidia.exe is Legitimate or Malware

File Location:: Must be in C:\Program Files\xmrig\nvidia\xmrig-nvidia.exe or a subfolder of C:\Program Files\xmrig\nvidia\. Any other location is suspicious.
Digital Signature:: Right-click the file in Explorer -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show signer "XMRig" or the official project signer.
Resource Usage:: Normal GPU usage scales with workload. Expect high GPU activity when mining, not idle operation.
Behavior:: Should only mine when the configuration enables it. Unsolicited background mining is a red flag.

Red Flags: If xmrig-nvidia.exe sits in unusual folders (like Temp or AppData), runs without consent, or lacks a valid signature, run a malware scan. Watch for similarly named files such as 'xmrig-nvidiya.exe' or 'xmrig-nvidia64.exe'.

Why Is xmrig-nvidia.exe Running on My PC?

xmrig-nvidia.exe runs when mining is configured, a pool is reachable, and the NVIDIA GPU is allocated for mining tasks.

Reasons it's running:

Active Mining Configuration: Your xmrig.json config enables NVIDIA mining, so the GPU is engaged to generate shares.
Startup or Background Launch: Mining may be started automatically by a startup task or a launcher script.
Pool Activity: The pool may require reconnects or re-authentication, causing brief restarts that keep the process active.
Driver and Kernel Initialization: Initial CUDA kernel setup and memory allocation occur on startup or on pool changes.
Remote Monitoring: Some mining setups run helper processes to report statistics or check pool connectivity even when minimized.

Can I Disable or Remove xmrig-nvidia.exe?

Yes, you can disable xmrig-nvidia.exe. Stopping mining will free GPU resources. Uninstalling is optional and will remove the binary and its config files.

How to Stop xmrig-nvidia.exe

End Active Mining: In Windows, open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) -> End task for xmrig-nvidia.exe
Disable Startup: Task Manager -> Startup tab -> Disable any entry for xmrig-nvidia
Stop Related Services/Tasks: Check Task Scheduler for tasks named 'xmrig' and disable them
Remove Binaries: Delete xmrig-nvidia.exe and the xmrig.json/config files
Scan System: Run a malware scan to ensure no residual crypto-mining components remain

How to Uninstall Xmrig NVIDIA

✔ Windows Settings -> Apps -> Apps & Features -> Xmrig NVIDIA -> Uninstall
✔ Delete the folder C:\Program Files\xmrig\nvidia and any parent xmrig folders
✔ Optional: Reboot and verify no xmrig processes start on login

Common Problems: High GPU/CPU or Instability

If xmrig-nvidia.exe is consuming excessive GPU or causing instability:

Common Causes & Solutions

High GPU Load: Reduce intensity in xmrig.json or lower the number of mining threads per GPU
Outdated Drivers: Update NVIDIA drivers to the latest stable release
Misconfigured xmrig.json: Validate pool URL, wallet address, and worker name; run with a minimal config first
Multiple Mining Instances: Check for multiple xmrig processes and terminate duplicates
Thermal Throttling: Improve cooling, reduce overclock, or lower power limit to stabilize temps
Faulty Hardware: Run GPU stress test, check for hardware faults and reseat GPUs if needed

Quick Fixes:
1. Quick Fixes:
2. 1. Open Task Manager and identify the active mining process
3. 2. Update NVIDIA drivers to the latest version
4. 3. Update xmrig.json to reduce thread count or adjust intensity
5. 4. Ensure pool configuration is correct and reachable
6. 5. Temporarily disable memory overclock or power limits to stabilize GPU

Frequently Asked Questions

Is xmrig-nvidia.exe a virus?

The legitimate xmrig-nvidia.exe comes from the official XMRig project and is not a virus when downloaded from the official repository. Verify it is located at C:\Program Files\xmrig\nvidia\xmrig-nvidia.exe and has a valid signature.

Can xmrig-nvidia.exe mine Monero on my PC?

Yes, xmrig-nvidia.exe can mine Monero using NVIDIA GPUs if you have configured a pool and wallet. It will show CPU and GPU usage depending on workload and can run in the background.

Can I delete xmrig-nvidia.exe?

You can uninstall xmrig-nvidia.exe through Windows Settings or Networks tools. Ensure you remove the binaries and config files to fully remove mining functionality.

Can I disable xmrig-nvidia.exe?

Yes. To stop mining, end the process, disable startup, and remove the binaries. If you rely on cryptocurrency mining for a legitimate reason, ensure you have proper consent and security.

How do I configure xmrig-nvidia.exe?

Xmrig-nvidia.exe requires a properly configured xmrig.json and a valid Stratum pool. You can adjust the intensity, threads, and pool settings to manage resource usage.

Will xmrig-nvidia.exe slow down my PC?

Mining with xmrig-nvidia.exe can impact system performance during heavy workloads. It may also increase GPU heat and power usage. Configure limits and monitor temperatures to minimize effects.