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How to Display Internet Speed on Taskbar in Windows

Quick Tips
  • NetSpeedMonitor is an app that allows you to display your internet speed in the taskbar on Windows.
  • You can use the real-time speed monitor to check your download speeds and verify if your internet connection is functioning.

Download Internet Speed Meter for Windows for Real-Time Monitoring

To show internet speed in the taskbar on Windows, you will have to download a dedicated app known as NetSpeedMonitor.

The app was primarily designed to run on Windows Vista, XP, and 7. However, that doesn’t mean it won’t work on Windows 8 and above. However, you must run the installer in Compatibility mode. Don’t worry. We have mentioned the steps in detail. Follow along.

Step 1: Download NetSpeedMonitor.

Note: You will see two download options: x86 and x64. The first one is for 32-bit Windows systems and the second one is for 64-bit. Click on the desired option and save the file on your computer.

Select one download option - x86 and x64

Step 2: Navigate to the folder where you downloaded the file.

If you are running Windows version below Windows 8, installation should start normally. Anything above it will throw an error that the operating system isn’t supported. Don’t worry. It’s time to tweak certain things.

Step 3: Right-click on the setup file and go to Properties.

Right-click on the setup file and go to Properties.

Step 3: Click on the Compatibility tab. Here, check the box next to Run this program in compatibility mode for:. The drop-down should show Previous version of Windows.

Step 4: Click on Apply followed by OK to save the changes.

Click on Apply followed by OK

Step 5: Now, double-click the setup file to begin the installation and follow the on-screen instructions during the installation process.

Once installed, you will have to enable the program.

Step 6: Right-click anywhere on your taskbar and hit the Toolbars option. Here select NetSpeedMonitor.

Right-click on taskbar. Now, go to Toolbars. Select NetSpeedMonitor

As soon as you enable it, you will see the upload and download speed on the taskbar.

Upload and download speed on Windows taskbar

Why Is NetSpeedMonitor Not Working

In case the visible download speeds are stuck at zero, here’s how to fix it.

Step 1: Right-click the network speed monitor in the taskbar and select Configuration.

Right-click network speed monitor and select Configuration

Step 2: In the NetSpeedMonitor window, change the Network interface to a different one and click OK.

The meter should be working now. If it’s still not working, repeat the process with other interfaces to find the one that works.

Change the Network interface and click OK

Tips and Tricks for Network Speed Monitor on Windows

Here are some useful tips and tricks to make the best use of the internet speed monitoring tool on your Windows computer.

1. Change the Speed Unit

By default, the NetSpeedMonitor tool shows speed in kilobits/second (Kbit/s), which might look a bit weird for normal usage. To make it readable, we suggest changing it to kilobytes/second (KB/s), Megabits/second (Mbit/s), or any other metric that you like.

Fun Fact: The Internet and download speed are two different things.

To change the speed metric, right-click on the NetSpeedMonitor on the taskbar and select Configuration. Choose the speed unit from the drop-down menu next to Bitrate.

Choose the speed unit

2. View Data Usage

The NetSpeedMonitor tool not only shows the current internet speed but you can also use it to track your data usage. For that, right-click the NetSpeedMonitor meter on the taskbar and hit Data Traffic.

3. Change the Double Click Action

Double-clicking the NetSpeedMonitor tool on the taskbar is used to enable and disable the monitoring, by default. However, you can customize it and use it for an action of your choice. We have set it to open the data traffic window.

To change it, right-click the NetSpeedMonitor meter on the taskbar, go to Configuration, and choose the appropriate option for Double Click.

4. Customize Tool Font

If you like tinkering with fonts, the app lets you customize the font style and size. For that, right-click the NetSpeedMonitor meter on the taskbar > go to Configuration > Layout. Here, change the font.

Go to Layout and change the font

Further, you can also customize the initials shown for upload and download speed in Layout.

customize initials for download and upload speeds

5. Export Database

Since the tool records everyday data usage, you can export its database too. This is handy if you wish to get an overview of your data usage or speed patterns. To do so, right-click the NetSpeedMonitor meter on the taskbar > go to Configuration > Database > Export Wizard.

Go to Database and select Export Wizard

FAQs for Displaying Internet Speed on Taskbar in Windows

1. Does the network speed monitor show accurate speeds?

Yes, the NetSpeedMonitor app displays your network speed in real time by connecting to the internet. Hence, it is reliable and accurate.

2. Can I check my computer’s internet speed using CMD?

Windows gives you the ability to check internet speeds using the command prompt. Launch a cmd window and enter “ping google.com”. You should be able to see the network speed listed.

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Last updated on 30 August, 2024

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