Fix NetSpeedMonitor Not Working On Windows 10

by Jhon Lennon 46 views

Hey guys! Having trouble with NetSpeedMonitor on your Windows 10 machine? You're not alone! It's a super handy tool for keeping an eye on your network speeds right from the taskbar, but sometimes it just decides to act up. Don't worry, we're going to walk through some simple steps to get it back up and running. Let's dive in!

Why NetSpeedMonitor Might Be Acting Up

Before we jump into the fixes, let's quickly chat about why NetSpeedMonitor might be giving you grief in the first place. There are a few common culprits:

  • Compatibility Issues: Older versions might not play nice with Windows 10.
  • Driver Problems: Network adapter drivers can sometimes cause conflicts.
  • Installation Hiccups: The installation process itself might have gone wrong.
  • Conflicting Software: Other network monitoring tools could be interfering.
  • Permissions: Sometimes, it just needs the right permissions to do its thing.

Understanding these potential issues is half the battle! Now, let's get to fixing it.

Step-by-Step Fixes for NetSpeedMonitor

1. Ensure Compatibility Mode is Enabled

One of the most frequent reasons why NetSpeedMonitor fails to function correctly on Windows 10 is due to compatibility problems. This handy little tool was originally designed for older versions of Windows, and sometimes it needs a little nudge to work properly on newer systems. Here’s how to enable compatibility mode:

  1. Locate the NetSpeedMonitor Executable: First, you’ll need to find where NetSpeedMonitor is installed on your computer. The default location is usually in your Program Files or Program Files (x86) folder. Look for a folder named NetSpeedMonitor. Inside, you should find the executable file, which is typically named something like nsmc.exe or NetSpeedMonitor.exe.
  2. Open Properties: Right-click on the executable file and select Properties from the context menu. This will open a new window with several tabs.
  3. Navigate to the Compatibility Tab: In the Properties window, click on the Compatibility tab. This is where you can set various compatibility options for the program.
  4. Enable Compatibility Mode: Under the Compatibility mode section, you’ll see a checkbox labeled Run this program in compatibility mode for. Check this box to enable compatibility mode.
  5. Select an Older Version of Windows: Once you’ve checked the box, a dropdown menu will become available. Click on the dropdown menu and select an older version of Windows. Windows 7 or Windows XP (Service Pack 3) are generally good choices, as they are known to work well with NetSpeedMonitor. Experiment with different versions if one doesn’t work right away.
  6. Apply the Changes: After selecting the desired compatibility mode, click the Apply button at the bottom of the Properties window. Then, click OK to close the window.
  7. Run as Administrator: While you’re in the Compatibility tab, also check the box labeled Run this program as an administrator under the Privilege Level section. This ensures that NetSpeedMonitor has all the necessary permissions to access network data and display it correctly. Click Apply and then OK.
  8. Restart NetSpeedMonitor: Now, try running NetSpeedMonitor again. If it’s already running, close it completely and then relaunch it. With compatibility mode enabled, it should now function correctly on your Windows 10 system. Keep an eye on it to make sure it’s accurately displaying your network speeds.

By following these steps, you can often resolve the compatibility issues that prevent NetSpeedMonitor from working properly on Windows 10. This simple fix can save you a lot of frustration and allow you to continue monitoring your network speeds with ease.

2. Reinstall NetSpeedMonitor

If NetSpeedMonitor still isn't behaving after trying the compatibility mode fix, a fresh installation might be just what you need. Sometimes, files get corrupted during the initial installation, or certain settings might not have been configured correctly. Reinstalling the program can clear out these issues and give you a clean slate. Here’s a detailed guide on how to properly reinstall NetSpeedMonitor:

  1. Uninstall the Current Installation: First, you need to completely remove the existing installation of NetSpeedMonitor. Go to the Control Panel (you can search for it in the Windows search bar) and click on Programs, then Programs and Features. Find NetSpeedMonitor in the list of installed programs, right-click on it, and select Uninstall. Follow the on-screen prompts to uninstall the program.
  2. Remove Residual Files: After uninstalling, some residual files and folders might still be left behind. These can sometimes interfere with a new installation, so it’s a good idea to manually delete them. Open File Explorer and navigate to the Program Files and Program Files (x86) folders. Look for any folders named NetSpeedMonitor and delete them. Also, check the AppData folder (you might need to enable viewing hidden folders to see this) for any related files or folders and delete those as well.
  3. Download the Latest Version: Visit the official website or a trusted source to download the latest version of NetSpeedMonitor. Make sure you download a version that is compatible with Windows 10. Downloading from a reputable source ensures that you’re not installing any malware or bundled software.
  4. Run the Installer as Administrator: Once the download is complete, locate the installer file and right-click on it. Select Run as administrator from the context menu. This ensures that the installer has the necessary permissions to make changes to your system and install the program correctly.
  5. Follow the Installation Prompts: Follow the on-screen prompts to install NetSpeedMonitor. Pay attention to any options or settings that are presented during the installation process. If you’re unsure about any settings, it’s usually safe to leave them at their default values.
  6. Configure NetSpeedMonitor: After the installation is complete, run NetSpeedMonitor. You might need to configure it to display the network information you want to see. Right-click on the taskbar, select Toolbars, and then click on NetSpeedMonitor to enable it. You can then right-click on the NetSpeedMonitor toolbar to configure the network adapter and other settings.
  7. Test the Installation: Finally, test the installation to make sure everything is working correctly. Monitor your network speeds and ensure that the information is being displayed accurately. If you encounter any issues, double-check your settings and make sure that NetSpeedMonitor is configured correctly.

By reinstalling NetSpeedMonitor, you can often resolve issues caused by corrupted files or incorrect settings. This ensures that you have a clean and properly functioning installation of the program.

3. Update Your Network Adapter Drivers

Outdated or corrupted network adapter drivers can often be the reason why NetSpeedMonitor isn't displaying your network speeds correctly. These drivers are essential for your computer to communicate properly with your network hardware. Updating them can resolve compatibility issues and ensure smooth operation. Here’s how to update your network adapter drivers:

  1. Open Device Manager: The first step is to open the Device Manager. You can do this by searching for Device Manager in the Windows search bar and clicking on the result.
  2. Expand Network Adapters: In the Device Manager window, you’ll see a list of hardware categories. Find and expand the Network adapters category by clicking on the arrow next to it.
  3. Identify Your Network Adapter: Look for your network adapter in the list. It might be labeled with the name of the manufacturer (e.g., Intel, Realtek) followed by the adapter model. If you’re not sure which one is your primary network adapter, you can check your network settings to find out.
  4. Update the Driver: Right-click on your network adapter and select Update driver from the context menu. This will open a new window with options for updating the driver.
  5. Search Automatically for Drivers: In the Update Drivers window, choose the option to Search automatically for drivers. This will allow Windows to search your computer and the internet for the latest drivers for your network adapter.
  6. Install the Updated Driver: If Windows finds an updated driver, it will automatically download and install it. Follow any on-screen prompts to complete the installation. You might be prompted to restart your computer after the installation is complete.
  7. Update Driver Manually: If Windows doesn’t find an updated driver automatically, you can try updating the driver manually. Choose the option to Browse my computer for drivers in the Update Drivers window. You’ll need to have the driver files downloaded on your computer. You can usually find these files on the manufacturer’s website.
  8. Verify the Update: After updating the driver, restart your computer and check if NetSpeedMonitor is now working correctly. If the issue was caused by outdated drivers, updating them should resolve the problem.

Keeping your network adapter drivers up to date is crucial for maintaining the stability and performance of your network connection. By following these steps, you can ensure that your drivers are current and compatible with your system.

4. Check for Conflicting Software

Sometimes, NetSpeedMonitor might not work correctly due to conflicts with other software installed on your computer. Certain applications, especially those that also monitor network activity or manage system resources, can interfere with NetSpeedMonitor's operation. Identifying and resolving these conflicts can help restore NetSpeedMonitor to its normal functionality. Here’s how to check for conflicting software:

  1. Identify Potential Conflicts: Think about any recently installed software that might be related to network monitoring, system optimization, or security. Common examples include firewalls, antivirus programs, VPN clients, and other network monitoring tools. These types of applications are most likely to cause conflicts with NetSpeedMonitor.
  2. Close Unnecessary Applications: Start by closing any applications that you suspect might be conflicting with NetSpeedMonitor. Make sure to exit them completely, rather than just minimizing them to the system tray. Check the system tray (the area in the lower-right corner of your screen) for any running applications and close them as well.
  3. Temporarily Disable Security Software: Security software, such as firewalls and antivirus programs, can sometimes interfere with NetSpeedMonitor's ability to access network data. Temporarily disable these programs to see if they are causing the issue. Be cautious when disabling security software, and make sure to re-enable it as soon as you've finished testing.
  4. Perform a Clean Boot: A clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This can help you identify if a background process is interfering with NetSpeedMonitor. To perform a clean boot:
    • Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog.
    • Type msconfig and press Enter to open the System Configuration utility.
    • In the System Configuration window, go to the Services tab.
    • Check the box labeled Hide all Microsoft services and then click Disable all.
    • Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
    • In Task Manager, disable all startup items.
    • Close Task Manager and click Apply and OK in the System Configuration window.
    • Restart your computer.
  5. Test NetSpeedMonitor: After performing a clean boot, run NetSpeedMonitor and see if it’s working correctly. If it is, then one of the disabled services or startup programs was causing the conflict. You can then re-enable the services and startup programs one by one to identify the specific program that’s causing the issue.
  6. Uninstall Conflicting Software: If you identify a specific program that’s conflicting with NetSpeedMonitor, consider uninstalling it. If the program is not essential, removing it can resolve the conflict and allow NetSpeedMonitor to function properly.

By systematically checking for conflicting software, you can often identify and resolve the issues that are preventing NetSpeedMonitor from working correctly. This ensures that you can continue monitoring your network speeds without any interruptions.

5. Run NetSpeedMonitor as Administrator

Sometimes, NetSpeedMonitor requires administrative privileges to function correctly. Running the program as an administrator ensures that it has the necessary permissions to access network data and display it accurately. This is especially important if you're using a user account with limited privileges. Here’s how to run NetSpeedMonitor as an administrator:

  1. Locate the NetSpeedMonitor Executable: First, you need to find the executable file for NetSpeedMonitor. This is usually located in the program's installation directory, which is typically in the Program Files or Program Files (x86) folder. Look for a folder named NetSpeedMonitor and find the executable file (e.g., nsmc.exe or NetSpeedMonitor.exe).
  2. **Right-Click and Select