Fix NetSpeedMonitor Not Working On Windows 11

by Jhon Lennon 46 views

Having issues with NetSpeedMonitor not working on your Windows 11 machine? You're not alone! Many users have encountered this problem after upgrading to the latest version of Windows. But don't worry, we've got you covered. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various solutions to get NetSpeedMonitor up and running again, so you can keep a close eye on your network speeds.

Understanding the Issue

Before we dive into the fixes, let's understand why NetSpeedMonitor might be acting up. NetSpeedMonitor is a handy tool that displays your current network upload and download speeds directly in the Windows taskbar. It's a lightweight and unobtrusive way to monitor your internet connection. However, compatibility issues, driver problems, and Windows updates can sometimes interfere with its functionality. Often, the root cause lies in outdated drivers or compatibility settings that need a little tweaking to play nice with Windows 11. So, let's explore some solutions to get this sorted.

Solution 1: Running in Compatibility Mode

One of the simplest 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, often resolving compatibility glitches. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Locate the NetSpeedMonitor Executable: Find the nsmc.exe file, which is usually located in the NetSpeedMonitor installation directory (e.g., C:\Program Files\NetSpeedMonitor).
  2. Open Properties: Right-click on nsmc.exe and select "Properties".
  3. Go to the Compatibility Tab: In the Properties window, click on the "Compatibility" tab.
  4. Enable Compatibility Mode: Check the box labeled "Run this program in compatibility mode for:".
  5. Select an Older Windows Version: Choose an older version of Windows from the dropdown menu, such as "Windows 7" or "Windows 8".
  6. Apply Changes: Click "Apply" and then "OK".
  7. Run as Administrator: While still in the Compatibility tab, also check the box labeled "Run this program as an administrator". This can help bypass permission issues.

Now, try running NetSpeedMonitor again. Hopefully, running in compatibility mode will have solved the issue, and you’ll see your network speeds displayed in the taskbar once more. If not, don’t worry, we have more tricks up our sleeve!

Solution 2: Reinstalling NetSpeedMonitor

Sometimes, a clean reinstall can work wonders. It ensures that any corrupted files or settings are removed, and a fresh installation can often resolve underlying issues. Here’s how to do a thorough reinstall:

  1. Uninstall NetSpeedMonitor: Go to "Control Panel" > "Programs" > "Programs and Features". Find NetSpeedMonitor in the list, right-click it, and select "Uninstall". Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation.
  2. Delete Installation Folder (Optional but Recommended): After uninstalling, go to the installation directory (e.g., C:\Program Files\NetSpeedMonitor) and delete the folder. This ensures that no residual files are left behind.
  3. Download the Latest Version: Download the latest version of NetSpeedMonitor from a reputable source. Make sure to get a version that is compatible with Windows.
  4. Install NetSpeedMonitor: Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions. During the installation, pay attention to any prompts or options that might affect compatibility with Windows 11.
  5. Restart Your Computer: After the installation is complete, restart your computer to ensure that all changes are applied.

Once your computer restarts, check if NetSpeedMonitor is working correctly. If not, proceed to the next solution.

Solution 3: Updating Network Adapter Drivers

Outdated or corrupt network adapter drivers can often cause compatibility issues with software like NetSpeedMonitor. Updating your drivers can resolve these conflicts and ensure that your network adapter is functioning optimally. Here’s how to update your network adapter drivers:

  1. Open Device Manager: Right-click on the Start button and select "Device Manager".
  2. Expand Network Adapters: In Device Manager, expand the "Network adapters" section.
  3. Update Driver: Right-click on your network adapter (e.g., Ethernet or Wi-Fi adapter) and select "Update driver".
  4. Search Automatically for Drivers: Choose the option "Search automatically for drivers". Windows will search for the latest drivers online and install them automatically.
  5. Update Driver Manually (If Automatic Fails): If Windows doesn’t find a new driver automatically, you can try updating manually. Download the latest driver from the manufacturer’s website (e.g., Intel, Realtek, etc.) and then choose the option "Browse my computer for drivers" in Device Manager. Navigate to the folder where you saved the downloaded driver and follow the instructions.
  6. Restart Your Computer: After updating the drivers, restart your computer to apply the changes.

After the restart, check if NetSpeedMonitor is working as expected. Updating your network adapter drivers can often resolve compatibility issues and improve overall network performance.

Solution 4: Checking Windows Firewall Settings

Sometimes, the Windows Firewall can block NetSpeedMonitor from accessing the network, preventing it from displaying your network speeds. Checking your firewall settings and ensuring that NetSpeedMonitor is allowed to communicate through the firewall can resolve this issue. Here’s how to do it:

  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" in the left pane.
  3. Find NetSpeedMonitor: Look for NetSpeedMonitor in the list of allowed apps. If you don’t see it, click on "Allow another app…".
  4. Add NetSpeedMonitor: Click "Browse" and navigate to the NetSpeedMonitor installation directory (e.g., C:\Program Files\NetSpeedMonitor). Select nsmc.exe and click "Open". Then, click "Add".
  5. Ensure NetSpeedMonitor is Checked: Make sure that NetSpeedMonitor is checked in both the "Private" and "Public" columns. This allows it to communicate through the firewall on both private and public networks.
  6. Apply Changes: Click "OK" to save the changes.

By allowing NetSpeedMonitor through the Windows Firewall, you ensure that it can access the network and display your network speeds without being blocked. This is a crucial step, especially if you’ve recently updated Windows or changed your firewall settings.

Solution 5: Using Alternative Network Monitoring Tools

If you’ve tried all the above solutions and NetSpeedMonitor still isn’t working, it might be time to consider alternative network monitoring tools. There are several excellent alternatives available that offer similar functionality and might be more compatible with Windows 11. Here are a few popular options:

  • Bandwidth Monitor: A simple and lightweight tool that displays your current network speeds in the taskbar.
  • DU Meter: A more advanced tool that provides detailed information about your network usage, including graphs and reports.
  • TMeter: A powerful traffic monitoring and accounting tool that allows you to track network usage in real-time.
  • NetWorx: Another great option that offers bandwidth monitoring, usage reports, and network diagnostics.

Each of these tools has its own strengths and features, so try out a few to see which one best meets your needs. Sometimes, switching to an alternative tool can be the easiest way to resolve compatibility issues and get the network monitoring functionality you need.

Solution 6: Checking for Conflicting Software

Sometimes, other software installed on your system can conflict with NetSpeedMonitor, preventing it from working correctly. This is especially true for other network monitoring tools, firewalls, or antivirus software. Here’s how to check for conflicting software:

  1. Identify Potential Conflicts: Think about any recently installed software that might interfere with network monitoring or system processes.
  2. Temporarily Disable Software: Try temporarily disabling potential conflicting software one at a time to see if it resolves the issue. For example, disable your antivirus software, firewall, or other network monitoring tools.
  3. Restart NetSpeedMonitor: After disabling each piece of software, restart NetSpeedMonitor to see if it starts working.
  4. Identify the Culprit: If disabling a particular piece of software resolves the issue, you’ve identified the culprit. You can then either uninstall the conflicting software or try to configure it to work alongside NetSpeedMonitor.

Identifying and resolving software conflicts can be tricky, but it’s an important step in troubleshooting issues with NetSpeedMonitor. By systematically disabling potential conflicts, you can pinpoint the source of the problem and find a solution.

Solution 7: Ensuring the NetSpeedMonitor Service is Running

NetSpeedMonitor relies on a service to collect and display network data. If this service isn't running, the application won't work. Here's how to ensure the NetSpeedMonitor service is running:

  1. Open Services: Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
  2. Locate NetSpeedMonitor Service: Look for a service related to NetSpeedMonitor in the list. It might be named similarly, or have a description related to network monitoring.
  3. Check Service Status: Ensure the service status is 'Running'. If it's not running, right-click the service and select 'Start'.
  4. Set Startup Type: Right-click the service, select 'Properties', and go to the 'General' tab. Set the 'Startup type' to 'Automatic'. This ensures the service starts automatically with Windows.
  5. Apply Changes: Click 'Apply' and 'OK'.

By ensuring the NetSpeedMonitor service is running and set to start automatically, you eliminate a common cause of the application not working. This step is especially important after system updates or restarts.

Conclusion

NetSpeedMonitor can be an incredibly useful tool for monitoring your network speeds, but it can sometimes be finicky on Windows 11. By following the solutions outlined in this guide, you should be able to get NetSpeedMonitor up and running again. Whether it’s running in compatibility mode, reinstalling the application, updating network adapter drivers, or adjusting firewall settings, there’s a good chance one of these solutions will resolve the issue. And if all else fails, there are plenty of excellent alternative network monitoring tools available to choose from. Good luck, and happy monitoring!