We tested and reviewed several network monitoring tools specifically designed for Windows environments. Explore network monitoring tools in Windows for the reasoning behind each choice:
During the evaluation, we focused on key aspects to ensure optimal performance and compatibility.
- Compatibility with the System Setup: We verified that the tools supported Windows systems.
- Real-time Monitoring and Analysis: These tools provide real-time traffic capture and analysis.
- Support for Multiple Protocols and Services: These solutions support various protocols (SNMP, TCP, ICMP, IPMI) and services.
Vendors | Reviews* | Free Trial | Employees** | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
4.6 based on 279 reviews | ✅ for 30-days | 201-500 | Starting $ 1,810 | |
4.8 based on 204 reviews | ✅ for 14-days | 1,000-5,000 | Not shared publicly | |
4.5 based on 325 reviews | ✅ for 14-days | 11-50 | Not shared publicly | |
Zabbix | 4.3 based on 185 reviews | N/A | 51-200 | open source |
Prometheus | 4.4 based on 50 reviews | N/A | 201-500 | Free |
LogicMonitor | 4.5 based on 612 reviews | ✅ for 15-days | 1,000-5,000 | Not shared publicly. |
Solarwinds NPM | 4.5 based on 290 reviews | ✅ for 30-days | 1,000-5,000 | Not shared publicly. |
LiveAction LiveNX | 4.4 based on 6 reviews | ✅ for 14-days | 201-500 | Not shared publicly. |
* Reviews are based on Capterra and G2.
Transparency statement: Vendors are ranked according to their average ratings, except sponsors, which receive links.
** The number of the workforce is gathered from the companies’ LinkedIn pages.
Essential Features of Windows Network Monitoring Tools
Core Monitoring Protocols
SNMP vs WMI for Windows Monitoring
SNMP and WMI are two common protocols used to monitor Microsoft-based products. They don’t replace each other; they complement each other. Windows environments offer unique advantages:
- SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol): SNMP is known as a lightweight protocol that provides excellent network-level metrics including bandwidth monitoring, packet statistics, and multi-vendor device support
- WMI (Windows Management Instrumentation): WMI is natively supported and enabled in Windows clients and Windows Servers, offering deeper system-level insights including Windows services, Active Directory metrics, and application-specific data
Auvik recommends leveraging WMI wherever possible, as it’s already enabled and running on most Microsoft servers and workstations, making it quicker and easier to configure.
Key Monitoring Capabilities
Network monitoring tools in Windows provide real-time capture and analysis of network traffic, enabling quick identification and troubleshooting of network issues. Essential features include:
- Performance Metrics: CPU, memory, disk usage, and bandwidth utilization tracking
- Real-time Traffic Analysis: Continuous monitoring of network flows and performance metrics
- Device Discovery: Automatic identification of network devices, servers, and endpoints
- Alerting Systems: Configurable alerts that notify administrators of critical issues, allowing for prompt response
- Network Mapping: Visual representation of network topology and device relationships
1. Paessler PRTG Network Monitor
Paessler PRTG Network Monitor is a tool designed to monitor your entire IT infrastructure in real-time. It supports tracking for various devices, applications, and traffic flows using different protocols such as SNMP, WMI, and NetFlow.
Core Capabilities:
- Native WMI integration with 500+ pre-built Windows sensors
- Real-time monitoring with 1-second polling intervals
- Supports SNMP, WMI, NetFlow, and custom PowerShell scripts
- Automatic network discovery and device mapping
Windows-Specific Features:
- Performance counter monitoring (2000+ available counters)
- Windows Event Log analysis with pattern recognition
- Active Directory health monitoring
- Exchange and SharePoint specialized sensors
Pricing:
- Free edition: Up to 100 sensors
- Paid versions start at $1,600 for 500 sensors and 1 server installation
- PRTG 500 for $2,149/year, PRTG 1000 for $3,899/year
2. NinjaOne
NinjaOne allows for the simultaneous monitoring of multiple sites, providing a centralized view of network performance across different locations.
Source: NinjaOne Website 1
Integrated Features:
- Network monitoring combined with patch management
- Remote access and automation tools
- Backup and disaster recovery integration
- Multi-tenant architecture for MSPs
Windows Management:
- PowerShell script library and automation
- Windows update deployment and tracking
- Software inventory and deployment
- Group Policy integration
Choose NinjaOne to streamline your IT operations with a powerful, all-in-one tool.
3. Auvik
Auvik is a cloud-based network management tool with integrated Windows support and syslog monitoring.
Platform Features:
- Automatic network discovery and mapping
- Cloud-based deployment with no on-premises infrastructure
- Real-time monitoring and alerting
- Configuration backup and change tracking
Windows Integration:
- Syslog collection from Windows devices
- SNMP monitoring of Windows servers
- Integration with Windows network infrastructure
- Support for Windows-based network applications
MSP Focus:
- Multi-tenant architecture for service providers
- Client-specific dashboards and reporting
- Automated billing integration
- Remote monitoring capabilities
4. Zabbix
An open-source monitoring tool for various network services, servers, and other network hardware. It supports a wide range of monitoring protocols.
Figure 5: Zabbix Windows Dashboard 2
Enterprise Features:
- No licensing costs with full source code access
- Multi-tenant support with granular permissions
- Advanced templating system for Windows environments
- Distributed monitoring architecture
Windows Integration:
- Native Windows agent with WMI support
- Active Directory authentication integration
- Custom Windows metric collection
- PowerShell script execution capabilities
Implementation Considerations:
- Requires dedicated Linux/Windows system administration expertise
- Ongoing maintenance and update management are needed
5. Prometheus
Prometheus is designed for monitoring the services in a microservices architecture. It’s known for its querying language and multi-dimensional data model. Prometheus is particularly well-suited for collecting time-series data from monitored targets over HTTP, making it a go-to choice for monitoring dynamic service-oriented architectures.
Figure 4: Prometheus Dashboard 3
Technical Architecture:
- Time-series database optimized for metrics storage
- Pull-based monitoring model with service discovery
- PromQL query language for complex data analysis
- Integration with Kubernetes and container platforms
Windows Monitoring:
- Windows Exporter provides system metrics
- Container and microservices monitoring
- Custom application metrics collection
- Integration with Grafana for visualization
6. LogicMonitor
LogicMonitor is a cloud-based network monitoring solution that provides visibility into network performance across on-premises, hybrid, and cloud environments. It leverages AI to provide predictive alerts and automated anomaly detection, reducing the time spent on manual monitoring and troubleshooting.
Platform Features:
- SaaS deployment with minimal setup requirements
- AI-powered anomaly detection and alerting
- Automatic device discovery and classification
- Pre-built integrations with 2000+ technologies
Operational Benefits:
- No on-premises infrastructure requirements
- Automatic updates and maintenance
7. SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor (NPM)
SolarWinds NPM is a network monitoring tool that offers detailed insights into network performance, fault detection, and real-time monitoring of network components.
Core Capabilities:
- Network topology discovery and mapping
- Real-time bandwidth utilization monitoring
- Application performance monitoring
- Fault detection and root cause analysis
Windows-Specific Features:
- WMI-based Windows server monitoring
- Windows service dependency mapping
- Performance counter integration
- Windows Event Log correlation
Technical Specifications:
- Supports monitoring up to 50,000 network elements
- Customizable dashboards and reporting
- Integration with other SolarWinds modules
- RESTful API for custom integrations
8. LiveAction LiveNX
LiveAction LiveNX is a network performance monitoring and diagnostics tool focused on providing real-time visibility and analytics for large, complex networks. It specializes in visualizing network flows and performance, making it particularly useful for organizations with large-scale, geographically distributed networks.
Core Features:
- Deep packet inspection and flow analysis
- Network path visualization and mapping
- Application performance monitoring
- Bandwidth utilization tracking
Windows Environment Support:
- Windows-based deployment options
- Integration with Windows domain infrastructure
- Support for Windows-based network applications
- Windows performance correlation
9.ManageEngine OpManager
ManageEngine’s OpManager stands out as a versatile SNMP monitoring tool with excellent Windows support.
Key Features:
- Monitors over 2,000 performance metrics
- Compatibility with non-SNMP devices and the capacity to function as an SNMP trap receiver
- Native Windows Server and Linux deployment options
- Integrated network mapping and bandwidth monitoring
Pricing:
- Enterprise editions available for larger deployments
- Free edition: Up to 10 devices
- Professional edition: Starting at $245 for 25 devices
FAQ
Reference Links
Cem's work has been cited by leading global publications including Business Insider, Forbes, Washington Post, global firms like Deloitte, HPE and NGOs like World Economic Forum and supranational organizations like European Commission. You can see more reputable companies and resources that referenced AIMultiple.
Throughout his career, Cem served as a tech consultant, tech buyer and tech entrepreneur. He advised enterprises on their technology decisions at McKinsey & Company and Altman Solon for more than a decade. He also published a McKinsey report on digitalization.
He led technology strategy and procurement of a telco while reporting to the CEO. He has also led commercial growth of deep tech company Hypatos that reached a 7 digit annual recurring revenue and a 9 digit valuation from 0 within 2 years. Cem's work in Hypatos was covered by leading technology publications like TechCrunch and Business Insider.
Cem regularly speaks at international technology conferences. He graduated from Bogazici University as a computer engineer and holds an MBA from Columbia Business School.
Be the first to comment
Your email address will not be published. All fields are required.