Fix NetSpeedMonitor Issues On Windows 11

by Jhon Lennon 41 views

Hey guys! Having trouble with NetSpeedMonitor on your brand-new Windows 11 setup? You're not alone. A lot of users have reported that this handy little tool, which lets you keep an eye on your network speed right from the taskbar, isn't playing nice with the latest version of Windows. But don't worry, we've got you covered! This article will walk you through several solutions to get NetSpeedMonitor up and running on your Windows 11 machine, so you can monitor your internet speed like a pro.

Understanding the Problem

Before diving into the fixes, it's helpful to understand why NetSpeedMonitor might not be working for you. NetSpeedMonitor was initially designed for older versions of Windows, and while it often works on newer systems, compatibility issues can arise. Windows 11 has introduced several changes to the operating system's core, including how it handles network adapters and system resources. These changes can sometimes interfere with NetSpeedMonitor's ability to correctly read and display network information. Another common cause is driver incompatibility. If the drivers for your network adapter are outdated or not fully compatible with Windows 11, NetSpeedMonitor might struggle to access the necessary data. So, let's get started troubleshooting this issue and getting your network speed back on display!

Solution 1: Compatibility Mode

One of the simplest and most effective solutions is to run NetSpeedMonitor in compatibility mode. This tells Windows 11 to run the program as if it were running on an older version of the operating system, which can often resolve compatibility issues.

Steps:

  1. Locate the NetSpeedMonitor executable: Find the NetspeedMonitor.exe file on your computer. This is usually in the installation directory, often C:\Program Files\NetSpeedMonitor. If you are having trouble finding the program, try using the Windows search function.
  2. Open Properties: Right-click on the executable file and select Properties from the context menu. A new window will pop up, displaying various attributes and settings for the file. Take your time to find the Compatibility tab.
  3. Go to Compatibility Tab: In the Properties window, click on the Compatibility tab. This section is dedicated to settings that allow older programs to function correctly on newer operating systems.
  4. Run Compatibility Troubleshooter: Click the Run compatibility troubleshooter button and follow the prompts. Windows will try to automatically detect the best compatibility settings for the program. Alternatively, you can manually set the compatibility settings.
  5. Choose Compatibility Mode: Check the box labeled Run this program in compatibility mode for: and select an older version of Windows from the dropdown menu. Try starting with Windows 7 or Windows 8, as these are often compatible choices. You might need to experiment with different versions to find the one that works best.
  6. Apply Settings: After selecting the compatibility mode, click the Apply button and then the OK button to save the changes. This ensures that the new compatibility settings are applied to the program.
  7. Run as Administrator: Check the box labeled Run this program as an administrator. Running the program as an administrator grants it the necessary permissions to access system resources and network information. Click Apply, then OK.
  8. Restart NetSpeedMonitor: Close and reopen NetSpeedMonitor to see if the changes have taken effect. Keep a close eye on the program as it restarts.

If NetSpeedMonitor still isn't working, try a different compatibility mode or move on to the next solution.

Solution 2: Reinstall NetSpeedMonitor

A fresh installation can often resolve issues caused by corrupted files or incorrect configurations. Make sure to completely uninstall the existing version before reinstalling.

Steps:

  1. Uninstall NetSpeedMonitor: 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 completely remove the program from your system. This step is crucial to ensure a clean slate for the reinstallation.
  2. Download the Latest Version: Visit the official NetSpeedMonitor website or a trusted download source to get the latest version of the software. Make sure the version you download is compatible with Windows 11. Use official sources to avoid malware.
  3. Run the Installer: Run the downloaded installer and follow the instructions. Ensure that you install the program to a location where you have full administrative rights, typically the default Program Files directory. During installation, be careful about any bundled software or offers that you may not want.
  4. Configure Settings: After installation, run NetSpeedMonitor and configure your settings as needed. Select your network adapter and choose the interface you want to monitor. Also, you can adjust the display settings to your preferences. Consider setting the program to launch at startup so that it automatically starts monitoring your network speed.

Check if NetSpeedMonitor is now working correctly. If not, proceed to the next solution.

Solution 3: Update Network Adapter Drivers

Outdated or incompatible network adapter drivers can cause various network-related issues, including problems with NetSpeedMonitor. Updating to the latest drivers can resolve these issues.

Steps:

  1. Open Device Manager: Right-click on the Start button and select Device Manager. This will open a window displaying all the hardware devices connected to your computer.
  2. Expand Network Adapters: In Device Manager, find and expand the Network adapters section. This will show a list of your network adapters, including Ethernet and Wi-Fi adapters.
  3. Update Driver: Right-click on your network adapter and select Update driver. This will open a new window with options for updating the driver software.
  4. Search Automatically: Select Search automatically for drivers. Windows will search your computer and the internet for the latest driver software for your network adapter. This is the easiest way to update your drivers, as Windows will handle the entire process automatically.
  5. Install Drivers: If Windows finds a new driver, it will download and install it automatically. Follow any on-screen instructions to complete the installation. Be patient during this process, as it may take a few minutes to download and install the driver.
  6. Restart Computer: After updating the drivers, restart your computer for the changes to take effect. This is important to ensure that the new drivers are properly loaded and initialized.

After restarting, check if NetSpeedMonitor is working as expected. If not, consider the next steps.

Additional Driver Tips

  • Check Windows Update: Sometimes, optional driver updates are available through Windows Update. Go to Settings -> Windows Update and check for updates.
  • Manufacturer's Website: For the most up-to-date drivers, visit the website of your computer or network adapter manufacturer (e.g., Intel, Realtek, or the website of your computer's manufacturer like Dell or HP). Download and install the drivers manually.

Solution 4: Check Firewall and Antivirus Settings

Firewall and antivirus software can sometimes interfere with NetSpeedMonitor, blocking its access to network data. Make sure NetSpeedMonitor is allowed through your firewall and antivirus.

Steps:

  1. Windows Defender Firewall:
    • Go to Control Panel -> System and Security -> Windows Defender Firewall. Alternatively, search for "Firewall" in the Windows search bar.
    • Click on Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall. This will open a list of installed apps and features.
    • Click the Change settings button. You may need to provide administrator credentials to proceed.
    • Find NetSpeedMonitor in the list. If it's not there, click Allow another app... and browse to the NetSpeedMonitor executable (NetSpeedMonitor.exe).
    • Make sure both Private and Public checkboxes are checked for NetSpeedMonitor. This allows the application to communicate through both private and public networks.
    • Click OK to save the changes. The changes will be applied immediately.
  2. Third-Party Antivirus:
    • Open your antivirus software (e.g., Avast, McAfee, Norton). Each antivirus program has a different interface, but the general process is the same.
    • Look for settings related to firewall, exceptions, or allowed apps. These settings allow you to specify which programs are allowed to access the internet without being blocked.
    • Add NetSpeedMonitor (NetSpeedMonitor.exe) to the list of allowed programs. Consult your antivirus software's documentation for specific instructions on how to do this.
    • Save the changes and restart your computer. This ensures that the new firewall rules are applied correctly.

Solution 5: Consider Alternatives

If you've tried everything and NetSpeedMonitor still isn't working, it might be time to consider alternatives. There are several other network monitoring tools available for Windows 11 that may be more compatible.

Popular Alternatives:

  • DU Meter: A commercial tool with a wide range of features and a user-friendly interface.
  • GlassWire: A free and paid network monitor with a focus on security and visualization.
  • BitMeter OS: A free, open-source bandwidth monitor that displays your bandwidth usage in a graph.
  • TMeter: TMeter is a powerful traffic monitoring and accounting tool for Windows. It captures network traffic and represents it in various diagrams and tables.

These alternatives offer similar functionality to NetSpeedMonitor and may work better with Windows 11. Give them a try and see which one best suits your needs.

Conclusion

While NetSpeedMonitor can be finicky on Windows 11, hopefully, one of these solutions will get it up and running for you. Remember to check compatibility settings, reinstall the program, update your network drivers, and adjust your firewall and antivirus settings. And if all else fails, there are plenty of great alternatives available. Happy monitoring, and let us know in the comments which solution worked for you!