CGMiner Download for Windows: Best Mining Software 2025

Complete miner download guide: secure cgminer windows installation, mining software for windows setup with USB drivers, configuration & tuning

💿⬇Download CGMiner

Windows 10/11 • Version 4.12.1 • 2.4 MB

System Requirements

Windows 10 or later
USB 2.0/3.0 ports
WinUSB driver (Zadig)

CGMiner Download: Best Mining Software for Windows

Looking for a safe cgminer download?This comprehensive mining download guide shows you how to get the best miner for Windows (Windows 10/11). CGMiner is trusted mining software for windows users running ASIC USB devices. Learn where to download cgminer windows version safely, avoid risky "miner download" sites, and complete your cgminer setup with proper USB drivers, configuration files, and optimal settings.

CGMiner download for Windows - mining software interface on laptop showing cryptocurrency mining process — CGMiner mining software for Windows - Professional ASIC miner setup guide

CGMiner is a cross-platform, open-source mining application designed for ASIC USB devices. Modern community builds focus on ASIC USB sticks and pods, with GPU mining support removed after version 3.x. If you need GPU mining capabilities, consider alternative mining software for windows.

Best for:ASIC USB stick miners and pods on Windows - this is why CGMiner is considered the best mining software for windows in the ASIC category
Not for:GPU mining (use alternative miner download options for GPU-based mining)

Safe CGMiner Download Sources for Windows

🔒 Verified Sources

Download only from reputable community maintainers with published checksums

✓ SHA-256 Checksum

Always verify the SHA-256 hash after download

🛡️ Security Scan

Scan with Windows Defender before extraction

⚠️ Security Warning:Avoid random "mining download" or "miner download" aggregator sites. Only download cgminer from trusted community sources with verifiable SHA-256 checksums. This ensures your mining software for windows is safe and malware-free.

CGMiner Windows Installation Guide - Mining Software Setup

Download CGMiner for WindowsStart your mining download by getting the latest cgminer windows ZIP file from a trusted community maintainer. This is the most critical step - verify the SHA-256 checksum matches the publisher's official page to ensure your miner download is authentic. Extract the mining software toC:\cgminer\
Install USB Driver (Zadig)Download and run Zadig as administrator. Select your USB miner device (enable "List All Devices" in Options if needed). Choose WinUSB driver and click Install or Replace Driver.
Create Configuration FileCreate a file namedcgminer.confin the CGMiner folder:
{ "pools": [ { "url": "stratum+tcp://pool.example.com:3333", "user": "YourWalletOrLogin.worker1", "pass": "x" } ], "api-listen": true, "api-allow": "W:127.0.0.1" }
Create Start ScriptCreatestart.batfile:
@echo off cd /d C:\cgminer cgminer.exe -c cgminer.conf pause
Start MiningDouble-clickstart.batto launch CGMiner. The software will connect to your pool and start hashing. Monitor the hash rate and accepted shares.

API Configuration

CGMiner includes a TCP API on port 4028 for monitoring and automation. The API is disabled by default.

Enable API (Local Access Only)

cgminer.exe -c cgminer.conf --api-listen --api-allow W:127.0.0.1

Security Note:Only enable API access from localhost (127.0.0.1) or your local network. Never expose the API to public networks.

CGMiner Windows Troubleshooting - Mining Software Issues

USB Not Detected

• Reinstall WinUSB via Zadig
• Use powered USB hub
• Re-plug device while CGMiner runs

Shows 0 H/s

• Verify WinUSB driver installed
• Check power supply
• Start with conservative frequency

Closes Immediately

• Run from Command Prompt to see errors
• Check antivirus didn't quarantine
• Verify pool URL and credentials

Pool Connection Failed

• Confirm stratum URL format
• Check username/worker name
• Verify system clock is correct

CGMiner Download & Setup Checklist - Mining Software Installation

Download from trusted source and verify checksum
Install WinUSB driver with Zadig for each USB miner
Create cgminer.conf with your pool settings
Create start.bat launch script
Use powered USB hub for multiple devices
Keep API access restricted to localhost
Monitor temperature and hash rate
Use reputable mining pools

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where can I safely download CGMiner mining software for Windows?

A: For a safe cgminer download, always use official community-maintained repositories with published SHA-256 checksums. Avoid random "mining download" or "miner download" websites that may contain malware. The safest mining software for windows comes from verified sources in the Bitcoin mining community. After your cgminer windows download, always verify the file hash and scan with antivirus before installation.

Q: Is CGMiner the best miner for Windows in 2025?

A: CGMiner is widely considered the best miner for windows when using ASIC USB sticks and pods. This mining software for windows is robust, actively maintained, and optimized for ASIC devices. For GPU mining or multi-device setups with a graphical interface, consider alternatives like BFGMiner (CLI) or MultiMiner (GUI). Your choice of mining download depends on your specific hardware and requirements.

Q: CGMiner opens and closes immediately. What should I check?

A: Run from Command Prompt to see error messages. Verify all files extracted properly, check if antivirus quarantined the executable, and confirm your pool URL and credentials are correct.

Q: The miner is detected but shows 0 H/s.

A: Verify WinUSB driver is installed, check power supply, and ensure you're using correct device options. Some devices need initial frequency settings - start conservative and increase gradually.

Q: How do I update CGMiner safely?

A: Backup your cgminer.conf and .bat files. Download the new version from a trusted source, verify checksums, extract to a new folder, and copy your configuration. Test with one device before full deployment.

Q: What are pool best practices?

A: Use reputable pools with clear fee structures. Configure failover pools in your config file. Keep payout addresses under your control and enable 2FA on pool accounts when available.