Want your current download and upload speed always visible in the taskbar? NetSpeedMonitor, a small free tool by Florian Gilles, shows both rates next to the clock and keeps a log of daily and monthly traffic. It was last updated around 2010 (version 2.5.4) and works only on Windows versions that still support taskbar toolbars.
What do the taskbar readings show?
The taskbar display shows the current speed of incoming and outgoing network traffic. Download and upload rates stay visible beside the system icons, so you can glance at them while downloading files or sending data without opening a separate monitoring window.
Hovering over it shows totals for the session, and a connections window lists open network connections.
Enabling the taskbar monitor
After installation, open the Windows taskbar’s right-click menu and activate the NetSpeedMonitor controller. The meter then appears in the system bar near the notification icons. On Windows 10 the installer often needs to run in compatibility mode; Windows 11 removed taskbar toolbars, so it cannot display there.
HTML traffic reports
For a closer look beyond the live rates, NetSpeedMonitor can generate a traffic report as an HTML file. Open the report in a browser to examine recorded traffic. Daily and monthly totals help track data caps.
Pros
- Shows download and upload rates in the taskbar
- Can be enabled from the taskbar context menu
- Generates traffic reports in HTML format
Cons
- No longer developed since around 2010
- Does not work on Windows 11
Does NetSpeedMonitor work on Windows 11?
No. It runs as a taskbar toolbar, and Windows 11 no longer supports those. On Windows 10 it usually installs in compatibility mode.
Can it track monthly data use?
Yes. It logs traffic and reports daily and monthly totals, including as an HTML file.
