6 Best Network Monitoring Tools for Windows 10/11
If you're a Windows user, you've probably encountered network-related issues or wanted to monitor your computer's incoming and outgoing traffic. Whether you're a network administrator or simply deal with a lot of network-related tasks, having the right network monitoring tools can make your life much easier. In this article, we'll explore some of the best and most useful network monitoring tools for both Windows 10 and 11 operating systems.
1. ManageEngine OpManager (Enterprise Users)
OpManager from ManageEngine is an advanced SNMP-based network monitoring solution designed for enterprise admins who handle a large number of computers in a company. This tool allows you to track and monitor various network devices, routers, switches, physical servers, WAN, VoIP, system health, processes, and even third-party services like VMware and Citrix. OpManager provides an intuitive dashboard and allows you to create customized dashboards based on your specific needs. It also offers thousands of templates to make dashboard creation easier.
Pros: OpManager covers a wide range of services and offers layout options based on autodiscovery. It is flexible and easy to customize.
Cons: OpManager can be overwhelming for first-time users, especially those who are not familiar with advanced network monitoring tools.
Download ManageEngine OpManager
2. Resource Monitor (Home Users)
Resource Monitor is a built-in monitoring tool in Windows that every user should know about. It allows you to monitor CPU, memory, disk, and network performance. With Resource Monitor, you can get a comprehensive view of network activity, active TCP connections, and listening ports. It is a great tool for general home users.
Pros: Resource Monitor is easy to use and provides information about active connections and working ports.
Cons: Resource Monitor only allows you to monitor network activity and doesn't offer control over the activities.
3. Microsoft Network Monitor (Deprecated)
Microsoft Network Monitor is a free and advanced network monitoring tool for Windows. It allows you to monitor and capture live traffic on your network. This tool shows every networking packet sent in or out of your system. It is useful for collecting granular information and troubleshooting network issues. Microsoft Network Monitor also offers powerful filtering capabilities to narrow down your search.
Pros: Microsoft Network Monitor combined with advanced filtering capabilities can provide detailed insights into network activities.
Cons: The tool has not been updated for a long time and may not work as expected.
Download Microsoft Network Monitor
4. Wireshark (Advanced Users)
Wireshark is a popular cross-platform network monitoring and protocol analyzing tool. It allows you to capture live network traffic and analyze data from various sources such as Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB. Wireshark supports hundreds of protocols and offers advanced filtering options. It is an excellent tool for troubleshooting networks and monitoring network activities.
Pros: Wireshark provides a wide range of options for monitoring and capturing network traffic.
Cons: Wireshark has a learning curve, and you may need a separate network card to capture packets from other devices on your network.
5. GlassWire (Advanced Home Users)
GlassWire is a system monitor and firewall that offers network activity visualization. It allows you to analyze network activity based on applications, traffic type, and geo-location. GlassWire presents data in the form of attractive graphs, making it easy to identify traffic spikes and other anomalies. You can also review network activity from the past 30 days.
Pros: GlassWire has a simple user interface and provides data in the form of visually appealing graphs. It allows you to control network connections with just a few clicks.
Cons: The free version of GlassWire lacks advanced features, but it is sufficient for home or general users.
6. Wireless Network Watcher (Portable and Lightweight)
Wireless Network Watcher is a simple tool that lists all devices connected to your network. It is handy for checking the number of connected devices and finding MAC addresses and basic information. However, it does not monitor or capture network traffic.
Download the portable version of Wireless Network Watcher and open it. The application will quickly scan and display all devices connected to your network. Double-clicking on a device IP will provide additional details.
Pros: Wireless Network Watcher is a portable application that quickly shows all connected devices.
Cons: It only provides basic information and does not capture network traffic.
Download Wireless Network Watcher
These are some of the best network monitoring tools for Windows. Choose the one that suits your needs and start monitoring your network effectively. And if you're interested, check out our article on network monitoring apps for Android too.
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