Fix NetSpeedMonitor Not Working In Windows 10

by Jhon Lennon 46 views

Is your NetSpeedMonitor not showing the network speed in your Windows 10 system tray? Don't worry, you're not alone! Many users have faced this issue after upgrading to Windows 10 or after a Windows update. NetSpeedMonitor is a handy tool for keeping an eye on your network usage, so it can be frustrating when it stops working. But the good news is, there are several ways to get it back up and running. This guide will walk you through various solutions to fix NetSpeedMonitor so you can monitor your network speed once again.

Why is NetSpeedMonitor Not Working?

Before diving into the solutions, it's helpful to understand why NetSpeedMonitor might be failing on your Windows 10 machine. Here are some common reasons:

  • Compatibility Issues: NetSpeedMonitor was initially designed for older versions of Windows. While it often works on Windows 10, compatibility issues can arise, especially after major Windows updates.
  • Driver Problems: NetSpeedMonitor relies on your network adapter drivers. If these drivers are outdated, corrupted, or incompatible, NetSpeedMonitor might not be able to access the network information it needs.
  • Installation Issues: A faulty installation or corrupted files can prevent NetSpeedMonitor from functioning correctly.
  • Conflicting Software: Sometimes, other software on your system can interfere with NetSpeedMonitor, preventing it from displaying network speeds.
  • Windows Updates: Windows updates can sometimes change system settings or introduce new drivers that conflict with NetSpeedMonitor.

Now that we know some of the potential causes, let's explore the solutions.

Solution 1: Reinstall NetSpeedMonitor in Compatibility Mode

This is often the first and most effective solution. Running the installer and the program itself in compatibility mode can resolve many compatibility-related issues. Here's how to do it:

  1. Uninstall NetSpeedMonitor: First, you need to completely remove the existing installation. Go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features. Find NetSpeedMonitor in the list, right-click on it, and select Uninstall. Follow the on-screen instructions to remove the program.
  2. Download NetSpeedMonitor: Download the latest version of NetSpeedMonitor from a reliable source. Be careful to download from a reputable website to avoid malware.
  3. Run the Installer in Compatibility Mode: Right-click on the downloaded installer file (usually an .exe file) and select Properties. Go to the Compatibility tab. Check the box that says "Run this program in compatibility mode for:" and select "Windows 7" or "Windows 8" from the dropdown menu. Click Apply and then OK.
  4. Run the Installer as Administrator: Right-click on the installer file again and select "Run as administrator." This ensures that the installer has the necessary permissions to install the program correctly.
  5. Install NetSpeedMonitor: Follow the on-screen instructions to install NetSpeedMonitor. Make sure to choose the correct network adapter during the installation process. The installer will ask you which network interface you want to monitor. Select the one that corresponds to your active internet connection (usually your Ethernet adapter or Wi-Fi adapter).
  6. Run NetSpeedMonitor in Compatibility Mode: After installation, find the NetSpeedMonitor executable file (usually located in C:\Program Files\NetSpeedMonitor). Right-click on the executable file and select Properties. Go to the Compatibility tab again. Check the box that says "Run this program in compatibility mode for:" and select "Windows 7" or "Windows 8" from the dropdown menu. Also, check the box that says "Run this program as an administrator." Click Apply and then OK.
  7. Add to Toolbar: Right-click on the taskbar, go to Toolbars, and select NetSpeedMonitor. If it's working correctly, you should now see the network speed displayed in your system tray.

By running both the installer and the program in compatibility mode with administrator privileges, you're essentially giving NetSpeedMonitor the best possible chance to function correctly on Windows 10. This approach often resolves issues related to permissions and compatibility.

Solution 2: Update Your Network Adapter Drivers

Outdated or corrupted network adapter drivers can cause various network-related issues, including problems with NetSpeedMonitor. Updating your drivers can often resolve these issues. Here's how:

  1. Open Device Manager: Press Windows key + X and select Device Manager from the menu. Alternatively, you can search for "Device Manager" in the Start menu.
  2. Expand Network Adapters: In Device Manager, find and expand the "Network adapters" category. This will list all the network adapters installed on your system.
  3. Update the Driver: Right-click on your active network adapter (usually the one you use to connect to the internet) and select "Update driver."
  4. Search Automatically for Drivers: In the Update Drivers window, select "Search automatically for drivers." Windows will search your system and the internet for the latest drivers for your network adapter. If Windows finds an updated driver, it will download and install it automatically.
  5. Update Driver Manually: If Windows doesn't find an updated driver automatically, you can try updating the driver manually. Go to the website of your network adapter manufacturer (e.g., Intel, Realtek, Qualcomm) and download the latest driver for your specific network adapter model and operating system. Then, in the Update Drivers window, select "Browse my computer for drivers" and navigate to the folder where you saved the downloaded driver file. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the driver.
  6. Restart Your Computer: After updating the network adapter driver, restart your computer to apply the changes. Then, check if NetSpeedMonitor is working correctly.

Keeping your network adapter drivers up-to-date is crucial for maintaining a stable and reliable network connection. By updating your drivers, you can resolve compatibility issues and ensure that NetSpeedMonitor can access the necessary network information.

Solution 3: Check for Conflicting Software

Sometimes, other software on your system can interfere with NetSpeedMonitor, preventing it from displaying network speeds. Common culprits include firewalls, antivirus software, and other network monitoring tools. Try temporarily disabling these programs to see if they're causing the issue.

  1. Disable Antivirus Software: Temporarily disable your antivirus software. Be careful when doing this, and only disable it for a short period to test if it's interfering with NetSpeedMonitor. Make sure to re-enable it as soon as possible to protect your system.
  2. Disable Firewalls: Temporarily disable your firewall. Again, be cautious when doing this, and only disable it for a short period for testing purposes. Re-enable it immediately after testing.
  3. Uninstall Conflicting Software: If you identify a specific program that's interfering with NetSpeedMonitor, consider uninstalling it. If you don't need the program or if there's an alternative, removing it can resolve the conflict.
  4. Restart Your Computer: After disabling or uninstalling any software, restart your computer to apply the changes. Then, check if NetSpeedMonitor is working correctly.

Identifying and resolving software conflicts can be tricky, but it's an important step in troubleshooting NetSpeedMonitor issues. By temporarily disabling or uninstalling potentially conflicting programs, you can determine if they're the cause of the problem.

Solution 4: Reinstall NetSpeedMonitor with Correct Settings

Sometimes the installation process itself can be the issue. Reinstalling NetSpeedMonitor, paying close attention to the settings, can solve the problem.

  1. Uninstall NetSpeedMonitor: As before, completely uninstall NetSpeedMonitor from your system via the Control Panel.
  2. Download the Installer: Download a fresh copy of NetSpeedMonitor from a reputable source.
  3. Run as Administrator: Right-click the installer and select "Run as administrator."
  4. Carefully Choose Network Interface: During the installation, you'll be prompted to select the network interface to monitor. This is crucial. If you select the wrong interface, NetSpeedMonitor won't display any data. Usually, your primary internet connection will be either your Ethernet adapter or your Wi-Fi adapter. If you're unsure, try selecting each one in turn to see which one works.
  5. Complete Installation: Finish the installation process. Reboot your computer.
  6. Add to Toolbar: Right-click on the taskbar, go to Toolbars, and select NetSpeedMonitor.

Solution 5: Check Windows Updates

Sometimes, a recent Windows Update can interfere with NetSpeedMonitor. In other cases, an outdated version of Windows can be the issue. Check for updates and install them.

  1. Check for Windows Updates: Click the Start button, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, and click "Check for updates." Install any available updates.
  2. Restart: After installing updates, restart your computer.

It may seem counterintuitive that updates both cause and solve problems, but it's a common occurrence! Keeping your system up-to-date is generally good practice.

Solution 6: Try a NetSpeedMonitor Alternative

If you've tried all the above solutions and NetSpeedMonitor still isn't working, it might be time to consider an alternative network monitoring tool. There are several excellent alternatives available, each with its own set of features and benefits. Here are a few popular options:

  • TMeter: TMeter is a powerful traffic monitoring and accounting tool that provides detailed information about network usage. It offers a wide range of features, including real-time monitoring, historical data analysis, and customizable reports.
  • BitMeter OS: BitMeter OS is a free, open-source bandwidth monitor that displays your current upload and download speeds in a graph. It also allows you to set quotas and receive alerts when you exceed your bandwidth limits.
  • NetWorx: NetWorx is a simple and easy-to-use bandwidth monitor that displays your current network speed in the system tray. It also provides detailed statistics about your network usage.
  • DU Meter: DU Meter is a commercial bandwidth monitor that offers a wide range of features, including real-time monitoring, historical data analysis, and customizable alerts. It also supports multiple network connections.

These alternatives offer similar functionality to NetSpeedMonitor and may be more compatible with your system. Experiment with a few different options to find one that meets your needs.

Conclusion

NetSpeedMonitor is a useful tool, but its age sometimes leads to compatibility issues with newer operating systems like Windows 10. By following these solutions, you should be able to get NetSpeedMonitor working again. If not, remember that there are alternative programs available that can provide similar functionality. Good luck getting your network speed monitoring back on track!