Best 9 Network Monitoring Tools in Windows in 2026
We tested network monitoring tools designed for Windows environments to evaluate their performance in real-world deployments.
Our goal was to find solutions balancing reliability, usability, and deep integration with Microsoft systems.
Protocol Support: Tools needed to handle multiple communication protocols: SNMP, TCP, ICMP, and IPMI.
Compatibility: Each tool had to work smoothly with Windows Servers and clients.
Real-Time Monitoring: Ability to analyze live network activity and identify performance issues quickly.
* Reviews are based on Capterra and G2.
Transparency statement: Vendors are ranked according to their average ratings, except sponsors, which receive links.
The workforce count is sourced from companies’ LinkedIn pages.
Essential Features of Windows Network Monitoring Tools
Core Monitoring Protocols
SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol)
Tracks bandwidth, packet flow, and device performance across different platforms. Lightweight and widely supported.
WMI (Windows Management Instrumentation)
Built into Windows. Provides detailed insights into OS behavior, service uptime, and application health. Auvik recommends using WMI when possible since it’s already running on most Microsoft servers and workstations.
Key Capabilities
- Performance Tracking: Monitor CPU, memory, and bandwidth across all devices
- Traffic Analysis: See network flows in real-time
- Device Discovery: Automatically find endpoints and map connections
- Smart Alerts: Get notified about outages or unusual activity
- Network Mapping: Visual display of network structure for faster troubleshooting
1. Paessler PRTG Network Monitor
Paessler PRTG provides a complete view of network and system performance with prebuilt sensors for Windows devices.
Core Features
- Built-in WMI sensors for monitoring system health and uptime
- One-second polling intervals for real-time feedback
- Custom monitoring via PowerShell
- Automatic discovery and mapping tools
- Over 250 native sensor types for monitoring
Windows-Specific Features
Tracks performance counters, analyzes Windows Event Logs, monitors Active Directory, Exchange, and SharePoint servers.
Windows system monitoring includes:
- Windows System Uptime via WMI or Windows performance counters
- Windows Updates Status (PowerShell-based)
- WMI Event Log monitoring
- WMI Security Center monitoring
- IIS, SQL servers, Windows processes monitoring
- Applications like Active Directory, SharePoint, Office 365
Automatic Network Discovery
During setup, enter IP address range and PRTG searches for available devices and adds predefined sensors. Enables initial monitoring immediately after first opening the software.
Pricing
Free for up to 100 sensors. Paid versions start at $1,600 for 500 sensors.
2. NinjaOne
NinjaOne provides unified monitoring and management for distributed IT environments, including multiple office networks.
Source: NinjaOne Website 1
Core Features
- Combines network monitoring with patch and backup management
- Enables remote access, automation, policy enforcement
- Offers built-in PowerShell scripting and Windows update control
Windows Management
- PowerShell script library and automation
- Windows update deployment and tracking
- Software inventory and deployment
- Group Policy integration
Who uses this: IT service providers and distributed organizations managing multiple Windows environments from a single dashboard.
What works: All-in-one approach monitoring, patching, and backup management in a single platform reduces tool sprawl. Setup takes about an hour if you know the network IP ranges. Built-in remote desktop access means fewer tools to manage.
What doesn’t work: Automation features work, but aren’t intuitive. You’ll spend time figuring out how to chain tasks together. Reporting could be more detaile,d creating custom reports for management takes more work than it should.
Choose NinjaOne to streamline your IT operations with a powerful, all-in-one tool.
3. Auvik
Auvik delivers network discovery, traffic analysis, and configuration backup through a cloud-based interface.
Core Features
- Cloud-hosted monitoring and alerting
- Automatic topology mapping
- Configuration 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
Who uses this: MSPs managing multiple client networks, distributed enterprises with many office locations.
What works: Network visualization is excellent. Real-time diagrams update as the network changes, accelerating troubleshooting. Interface makes sense immediately, most users start getting value within the first day without extensive training.
What doesn’t work: Cloud-based means that internet connectivity is required to monitor access. On-premises alternatives (PRTG, Zabbix) continue to function during internet outages. Includes many features, which create a learning curve despite a clean interface. New users report feeling overwhelmed by alerts during the first week.
4. Zabbix
Zabbix is an open-source option with extensive customization possibilities for Windows and Linux users.
Figure 5: Zabbix Windows Dashboard 2
Core 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
Who uses this: Organizations with technical staff capable of configuring and maintaining open-source tools. Budget-conscious deployments.
What works: Free licensing with full source code access. Setup is straightforward once you understand the configuration. Integrates with most network environments without extensive customization.
What doesn’t work: Free licensing but requires time investment for setup, configuration, and ongoing maintenance. Not point-and-click like commercial alternatives. Documentation can be sparse for advanced configurations.
5. Prometheus
Prometheus is designed for monitoring services in a microservices architecture. Focuses on modern, dynamic infrastructures. While often used in cloud and container setups, it supports Windows monitoring through exporters.
Figure 4: Prometheus Dashboard 3
Core Features
- Uses time-series database optimized for metrics
- Collects data using pull model
- Supports PromQL for advanced queries
- Visualized through Grafana integration
Windows Monitoring
- Windows Exporter provides system metrics
- Container and microservices monitoring
- Integration with Grafana for visualization
Who uses this: DevOps teams running containerized applications and microservices on Windows servers. Organizations are already using Kubernetes.
What works: Excellent for application and container monitoring. Time-series database optimized for metrics storage. PromQL provides a powerful query language for advanced analysis.
What doesn’t work: Not designed as a traditional network monitoring tool. Less comprehensive for traditional network infrastructure monitoring compared to PRTG or SolarWinds. Requires a separate Grafana installation for visualization.
6. LogicMonitor
LogicMonitor is a cloud-based network monitoring solution providing visibility into network performance across on-premises, hybrid, and cloud environments.
Core Features
- SaaS deployment with minimal setup requirements
- AI-powered anomaly detection and alerting
- Automatic device discovery and classification
- Pre-built integrations with 2,000+ technologies
Operational Benefits
- No on-premises infrastructure requirements
- Automatic updates and maintenance
Who uses this: NTT integrated LogicMonitor with ServiceNow CMDB for automated hybrid infrastructure monitoring. Sped up customer migrations and improved business agility without maintaining legacy components.
What works: Cloud-based SaaS deployment means no on-premise monitoring servers to maintain. AI-powered anomaly detection catches issues humans might miss. Pre-built integrations with 2,000+ technologies simplify setup.
What doesn’t work: Requires internet connectivity like other cloud-based tools. Pricing can be high for large deployments. Learning curve for advanced features despite a user-friendly interface.
7. SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor (NPM)
SolarWinds NPM offers detailed insights into network performance, fault detection, and real-time monitoring of network components.
Core Features
- 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
Who uses this:
- GTL (500-1,000 employees) uses SolarWinds NPM for real-time visibility into inventory scale
- Flathead County uses SolarWinds NPM and Engineer’s Toolset with Orion Summary page providing real-time alerts for server downtimes, low disk space, memory overutilization
What works: User-friendly interface commended for intuitive UI, making it accessible even to less experienced engineers. Wide range of functionalities including SLA, performance, ICMP, SNMP monitoring, config backup, and effective traffic graphs. Tool’s ability to showcase uptime percentages proves invaluable in financial discussions.
What doesn’t work: The most common drawback is the high price point, along with complexity and resource requirements for setup and integration, especially in the initial stages. Not budget-friendly for small organizations.
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.
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.
Core 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.
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