Fix NetSpeedMonitor Not Working On Windows 11

by Jhon Lennon 46 views

Is your NetSpeedMonitor not working after upgrading to Windows 11? Don't worry, you're not alone! Many users have faced compatibility issues with this handy tool after making the switch. But fear not, because in this article, we'll explore several effective solutions to get NetSpeedMonitor up and running again on your Windows 11 machine. Let's dive in and get your network speed monitoring back on track!

Understanding the Issue

Before we jump into the solutions, it's important to understand why NetSpeedMonitor might not be working on Windows 11. NetSpeedMonitor was initially designed for older versions of Windows, and while it's a lightweight and useful tool, it hasn't been officially updated to fully support Windows 11. This often leads to compatibility problems, causing it to fail to display network speeds in the taskbar. These compatibility issues can manifest in different ways, such as the application crashing, failing to start, or simply not displaying any data. Because Windows 11 has undergone significant changes to its core architecture and system processes, older applications like NetSpeedMonitor may encounter conflicts that prevent them from functioning correctly.

Additionally, Windows 11 has enhanced security features that may interfere with NetSpeedMonitor's ability to access network data. The operating system's security protocols could be blocking the application from monitoring network traffic, leading to the display issues. Furthermore, driver incompatibilities, particularly with network adapter drivers, can also contribute to the problem. Outdated or improperly configured network drivers may prevent NetSpeedMonitor from accurately capturing and displaying network speed information. By recognizing these potential causes, we can better approach the troubleshooting process and implement targeted solutions to resolve the issue.

Solutions to Fix NetSpeedMonitor

1. Compatibility Mode

One of the easiest and most common fixes is to run NetSpeedMonitor in compatibility mode. This tells Windows 11 to run the program as if it were on an older operating system. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Find the NetSpeedMonitor executable: Usually, this is in the installation directory of NetSpeedMonitor.
  2. Right-click the executable and select "Properties."
  3. Go to the "Compatibility" tab.
  4. Check the box that says "Run this program in compatibility mode for."
  5. Select an older version of Windows, such as Windows 7 or Windows 8, from the dropdown menu.
  6. Click "Apply" and then "OK."
  7. Run NetSpeedMonitor as administrator: While still in the "Compatibility" tab, check the box that says "Run this program as an administrator." This ensures that NetSpeedMonitor has the necessary permissions to access network data. Click "Apply" and then "OK" to save the changes.
  8. Restart NetSpeedMonitor: Close and reopen the application to see if the compatibility mode has resolved the issue. Running NetSpeedMonitor in compatibility mode can often bypass the issues caused by the application's outdated design, allowing it to function correctly on Windows 11. By emulating an older operating system environment, the application can avoid conflicts with newer system processes and security features, ensuring that it accurately monitors and displays network speeds. If this doesn't work, don't worry; we have more solutions to try!

2. Reinstall NetSpeedMonitor

A fresh installation can often resolve issues caused by corrupted files or incorrect configurations. Here’s how to reinstall NetSpeedMonitor:

  1. Uninstall NetSpeedMonitor: Go to "Control Panel" > "Programs" > "Programs and Features." Find NetSpeedMonitor in the list, right-click it, and select "Uninstall."
  2. Delete Installation Files: After uninstalling, manually delete any remaining files or folders in the NetSpeedMonitor installation directory. This ensures that no corrupted or conflicting files are left behind. Check both the Program Files and Program Files (x86) folders to locate and remove any residual data.
  3. Download the Latest Version: Visit the official website or a trusted source to download the latest version of NetSpeedMonitor. Make sure the version you download is compatible with your system architecture (32-bit or 64-bit). Using the latest version can help ensure that you have the most up-to-date files and configurations, reducing the likelihood of compatibility issues with Windows 11.
  4. Reinstall the Application: Run the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall NetSpeedMonitor. During the installation, make sure to select the correct network interface that you want to monitor. This is crucial for ensuring that the application accurately captures network speed data. By performing a clean reinstall, you can eliminate any potential issues caused by previous installations and start with a fresh, properly configured application.

3. Use an Alternative Tool

If NetSpeedMonitor continues to give you trouble, it might be time to consider an alternative. Several excellent network monitoring tools are fully compatible with Windows 11. Here are a couple of recommendations:

  • Network Meter: A simple and lightweight tool that displays your network speed in the taskbar.
  • BitMeter OS: Offers more advanced features like detailed graphs and logging.

These tools often provide similar functionality to NetSpeedMonitor and are designed to work seamlessly with Windows 11. They can be a great option if you're looking for a hassle-free way to monitor your network speed without compatibility issues.

4. Update Network Adapter Drivers

Outdated or incompatible network adapter drivers can cause various network-related issues, including problems with network monitoring tools. Here’s how to update your network adapter drivers:

  1. Open Device Manager: Press Win + X and select "Device Manager" from the menu.
  2. Expand Network Adapters: Find and expand the "Network adapters" section to see a list of your network adapters.
  3. Update Driver: Right-click on your network adapter and select "Update driver."
  4. Search Automatically: Choose the option to "Search automatically for drivers." Windows will search for and install the latest drivers for your network adapter. This ensures that you have the most up-to-date software, which can resolve compatibility issues and improve network performance.
  5. Manual Update: If Windows doesn't find a new driver, you can visit the website of your network adapter manufacturer (e.g., Intel, Realtek) and download the latest driver manually. After downloading, run the installer to update the driver. Manually updating the driver can provide more control over the installation process and ensure that you have the specific driver version recommended by the manufacturer.
  6. Restart Your Computer: After updating the driver, restart your computer to apply the changes. This ensures that the new driver is properly loaded and functioning correctly. By keeping your network adapter drivers up to date, you can prevent compatibility issues and ensure that network monitoring tools like NetSpeedMonitor can accurately capture and display network speed data.

5. Check Windows Firewall Settings

Sometimes, Windows Firewall can block NetSpeedMonitor from accessing network data, preventing it from displaying network speeds. Here’s how to check and configure your firewall settings:

  1. Open Windows Defender Firewall: Search for "Windows Defender Firewall" in the Start menu and open it.
  2. Allow an App Through Firewall: Click on "Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall."
  3. Find NetSpeedMonitor: Look for NetSpeedMonitor in the list of installed apps. If you don’t see it, click on "Allow another app..." and browse to the NetSpeedMonitor executable file to add it to the list.
  4. Enable NetSpeedMonitor: Make sure that NetSpeedMonitor is checked for both "Private" and "Public" networks. This allows the application to communicate through the firewall on both types of networks, ensuring that it can access network data regardless of the network connection.
  5. Apply Changes: Click "OK" to save the changes. By allowing NetSpeedMonitor through the Windows Firewall, you can prevent the firewall from blocking the application's access to network data, resolving issues with displaying network speeds. This ensures that the application can function correctly and provide accurate network monitoring information.

6. Use a Compatible Version

Some users have reported success by using specific versions of NetSpeedMonitor that seem to work better with Windows 11. Try to find older versions of the software from trusted sources and test them to see if they resolve the issue. Keep in mind that using older versions may come with security risks, so ensure you download from reputable websites.

7. Check for Conflicting Software

Certain applications can conflict with NetSpeedMonitor, preventing it from functioning correctly. Security software, such as firewalls and antivirus programs, are common culprits. These programs may interfere with NetSpeedMonitor's ability to access network data, leading to display issues. To resolve this, temporarily disable any potentially conflicting software and check if NetSpeedMonitor starts working. If it does, you can then configure the security software to allow NetSpeedMonitor to run without interference.

Other types of software that monitor network traffic or system performance can also cause conflicts. These applications may compete with NetSpeedMonitor for access to network resources, preventing it from accurately capturing and displaying network speed data. By identifying and disabling conflicting software, you can ensure that NetSpeedMonitor has the necessary resources to function correctly.

Conclusion

Getting NetSpeedMonitor to work on Windows 11 can be a bit tricky, but with these solutions, you should be able to get it up and running. Remember to try each solution one by one, and hopefully, one of them will do the trick. If all else fails, consider using one of the alternative network monitoring tools available. Good luck, and happy monitoring!