Privacy checklist for network speed monitors

Before installing any tool that watches your network, check these privacy points. Here is how NetSpeedDisplay approaches each one.

A tool that sits on your desktop and reads network counters deserves a careful look. These questions apply to any monitor.

Questions to ask

1. Does it send data anywhere? A speed meter has no reason to contact a server.
2. Does it need an account or sign-in?
3. What permissions does it need? Reading adapter counters does not require administrator rights.
4. Does it install services or drivers? If so, why?
5. Is the download official, and can you verify it? Look for a published checksum.
6. Can you read its license and privacy terms?

How NetSpeedDisplay answers

• It reads the traffic counters Windows already keeps and makes no network connections of its own.
• No account is needed to download or run it.
• A regular user account is enough for everyday use. Administrator rights are only needed to install for all users or use the background service.
• It needs no drivers, no Visual C++ Redistributable and no .NET.
• The download page lists a SHA-256 checksum you can compare. See installation and verification.
• It is released under the MIT License.

Read the privacy policy, the security page and the license.

Verify, do not just trust

You can check behavior yourself. Windows Firewall logs and tools such as Resource Monitor show which programs open connections. Never disable antivirus or SmartScreen to run a file.

Website analytics

This website may use analytics to measure visits. That is separate from the program. The program itself does not collect usage data.

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Published 2026-10-17