Fix NetSpeedMonitor Not Working On Windows 10

by Jhon Lennon 46 views

Hey guys! Having trouble with NetSpeedMonitor on your Windows 10 machine? It's a pretty common issue, and it can be super frustrating when you're trying to keep an eye on your network speeds. NetSpeedMonitor is a handy tool that displays your current upload and download speeds directly in the taskbar, but sometimes it just refuses to cooperate with Windows 10. Don't worry, though! I'm here to guide you through a few troubleshooting steps to get it up and running again.

Why NetSpeedMonitor Might Not Be Working

Before we dive into the solutions, let's quickly touch on why NetSpeedMonitor might be acting up in the first place. Compatibility issues with Windows 10 are often the main culprit, especially after a major update. NetSpeedMonitor was originally designed for older versions of Windows, and while it often works on Windows 10, it sometimes needs a little coaxing. Another common reason is that the correct network adapter isn't selected, or there might be conflicts with other network monitoring tools. In some cases, Windows Firewall or other security software could be interfering with its operation. Understanding these potential causes helps us approach the troubleshooting process more effectively.

Now, let's jump into the fixes!

Method 1: Run NetSpeedMonitor in Compatibility Mode

One of the easiest and most effective solutions is to run NetSpeedMonitor in compatibility mode. This tells Windows to run the program as if it were running on an older version of the operating system, which can often resolve compatibility issues. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Locate the NetSpeedMonitor executable: Find the NetSpeedMonitor executable file (usually NetspeedMonitor.exe). If you're not sure where it is, check the installation directory, which is often in Program Files or Program Files (x86). If you still have trouble, search for the name using Windows Explorer, using search terms like "netspeedmonitor.exe".
  2. Open Properties: Right-click on the executable file and select "Properties" from the context menu. This opens a window with various tabs and settings related to the file.
  3. Go to the Compatibility Tab: In the Properties window, click on the "Compatibility" tab. This is where you'll find the options to run the program in compatibility mode.
  4. Enable Compatibility Mode: Check the box labeled "Run this program in compatibility mode for:". This activates the dropdown menu below it.
  5. Choose an Older Windows Version: From the dropdown menu, select an older version of Windows, such as "Windows 7" or "Windows XP (Service Pack 3)". These versions are often more compatible with NetSpeedMonitor. Experiment with different versions if one doesn't work initially.
  6. Apply and OK: Click the "Apply" button to save the changes, and then click "OK" to close the Properties window.
  7. Run as Administrator: You might also want to check the box labeled "Run this program as an administrator". This gives the program the necessary permissions to access network information.
  8. Restart NetSpeedMonitor: Now, try running NetSpeedMonitor again. Hopefully, it should now be working correctly and displaying your network speeds in the taskbar.

Running NetSpeedMonitor in compatibility mode is a simple fix, but it often resolves the issue. It forces the application to behave as if it were running on an older, supported operating system, bypassing any compatibility roadblocks that Windows 10 might be throwing its way. If this doesn't work, don't worry; we have more tricks up our sleeves!

Method 2: Selecting the Correct Network Adapter

NetSpeedMonitor needs to know which network adapter to monitor to display the correct speeds. If the wrong adapter is selected, it won't show any data or might display incorrect information. Here’s how to select the correct adapter:

  1. Open NetSpeedMonitor Settings: Right-click on the NetSpeedMonitor icon in the taskbar (if it’s visible) or in the system tray. If you don't see the icon, try running NetSpeedMonitor again after applying the compatibility settings in Method 1. From the context menu, select "Configuration" or a similar option that leads to the settings.
  2. Find the Network Adapter Selection: Look for a section in the settings that allows you to choose the network adapter. This might be labeled as "Network Adapter", "Interface", or something similar.
  3. Identify Your Active Network Adapter: Determine which network adapter you are currently using to connect to the internet. If you're using a wired connection, it will likely be a wired Ethernet adapter. If you're using Wi-Fi, it will be a wireless adapter.
  4. Select the Correct Adapter: From the dropdown menu or list of available adapters, select the one that corresponds to your active network connection. Make sure you choose the correct one; otherwise, NetSpeedMonitor won't be able to monitor your network traffic accurately.
  5. Apply and OK: Click the "Apply" button to save the changes, and then click "OK" to close the settings window.
  6. Restart NetSpeedMonitor: Restart NetSpeedMonitor to apply the changes. Check if the network speeds are now being displayed correctly in the taskbar.

Selecting the right network adapter is crucial for NetSpeedMonitor to function properly. It ensures that the tool is monitoring the correct data stream, providing you with accurate information about your upload and download speeds. If you switch between different network connections (e.g., from Wi-Fi to Ethernet), you might need to revisit these settings and update the selected adapter accordingly. Getting the network adapter settings correct will likely resolve NetSpeedMonitor not working.

Method 3: Reinstall WinPcap

WinPcap (Windows Packet Capture) is a library that NetSpeedMonitor uses to capture network traffic. If WinPcap is outdated, corrupted, or not installed correctly, it can cause NetSpeedMonitor to malfunction. Reinstalling WinPcap can often resolve these issues. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Uninstall WinPcap: Go to the "Control Panel" on your Windows 10 machine. You can find it by searching for "Control Panel" in the Start menu. In the Control Panel, click on "Programs" and then "Programs and Features". Locate WinPcap in the list of installed programs, right-click on it, and select "Uninstall". Follow the on-screen instructions to uninstall WinPcap.
  2. Download the Latest Version of WinPcap: Visit the official WinPcap website or a trusted source to download the latest version of WinPcap. Make sure you download the version that is compatible with your system architecture (32-bit or 64-bit).
  3. Install WinPcap: Run the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install WinPcap. Make sure you install it with administrator privileges. Right-click the installer file and select "Run as administrator".
  4. Restart Your Computer: After installing WinPcap, restart your computer to ensure that the changes are applied correctly.
  5. Restart NetSpeedMonitor: Once your computer has restarted, run NetSpeedMonitor again and see if it is now working correctly.

Reinstalling WinPcap ensures that you have the latest version of the library, free from any corruption or compatibility issues. It provides NetSpeedMonitor with the necessary tools to capture network traffic effectively, allowing it to display your upload and download speeds accurately. If you were having problems with NetSpeedMonitor not working, a clean reinstall of WinPcap might just do the trick!

Method 4: Check Windows Firewall and Antivirus Settings

Sometimes, Windows Firewall or your antivirus software might be blocking NetSpeedMonitor from accessing network data. This can happen if the program is mistakenly flagged as a potential threat. To resolve this, you need to check your firewall and antivirus settings and ensure that NetSpeedMonitor is allowed to access the network.

  1. Check Windows Firewall:
    • Open "Windows Defender Firewall". You can find it by searching for it in the Start menu or through the Control Panel.
    • Click on "Allow an app or feature through Windows Firewall". This will open a list of installed applications.
    • Click the "Change settings" button. You might need administrator privileges to do this.
    • Look for NetSpeedMonitor in the list of allowed apps. If it's not there, click the "Allow another app..." button.
    • Browse to the NetSpeedMonitor executable file and add it to the list of allowed apps. Make sure both "Private" and "Public" networks are checked.
    • Click "OK" to save the changes.
  2. Check Antivirus Software:
    • Open your antivirus software. The steps to do this vary depending on the specific software you are using.
    • Look for a section related to "Firewall", "Application Control", or "Exceptions". The name might be slightly different depending on your antivirus program.
    • Add NetSpeedMonitor to the list of allowed applications or exceptions. This tells your antivirus software to ignore NetSpeedMonitor and allow it to access the network.
    • Save the changes.
  3. Restart NetSpeedMonitor: After adjusting your firewall and antivirus settings, restart NetSpeedMonitor to see if the issue is resolved.

By ensuring that Windows Firewall and your antivirus software are not blocking NetSpeedMonitor, you allow the program to function without interference. This is a crucial step in troubleshooting network-related issues, as security software can sometimes be overzealous in its efforts to protect your system. Correcting these settings will get NetSpeedMonitor working again.

Method 5: Try an Alternative Tool

If you've tried all the above methods and NetSpeedMonitor is still not working on your Windows 10 machine, it might be time to consider using an alternative tool. There are several other network monitoring tools available that offer similar functionality and might be more compatible with Windows 10. Here are a few popular alternatives:

  • TMeter: A powerful traffic monitoring and accounting tool that provides detailed information about network usage.
  • BitMeter OS: A bandwidth monitor that displays your upload and download speeds in a graph.
  • DU Meter: A comprehensive bandwidth monitor with a user-friendly interface and a range of features.
  • NetWorx: A versatile network monitoring tool that provides bandwidth usage statistics and customizable alerts.

These alternative tools offer similar features to NetSpeedMonitor and might be more compatible with Windows 10. They provide real-time monitoring of your network speeds and can help you keep track of your bandwidth usage. If NetSpeedMonitor continues to give you trouble, exploring these alternatives can be a good solution.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! Several methods to try and get NetSpeedMonitor working on your Windows 10 machine. Start with the compatibility mode, check your network adapter settings, reinstall WinPcap, and make sure your firewall and antivirus aren't blocking it. If all else fails, there are plenty of alternative tools out there to monitor your network speed. Hopefully, one of these solutions will get you back on track and help you keep an eye on your network activity. Good luck, and happy monitoring!