SoftPerfect Network Scanner: Quick Scans with Deep Insight
Some tools just get it right. SoftPerfect Network Scanner blends speed, detail, and flexibility into a utility that’s as much for quick sweeps as it is for in-depth audits. Whether it’s a class-C subnet or a list of scattered IPs, it finds what’s online, shows what’s open, and digs a little deeper — without being noisy or hard to use.
It’s a Windows-native scanner, but far from basic. Hostname resolution, port checks, SNMP queries, hidden shares, logged-in users, remote services — all visible in one pass. And when needed, it exports everything cleanly for documentation or follow-up.
Where It Stands Out
| Feature | Why It Matters in Practice |
| Fast Multi-Threaded Scanning | Pings and checks thousands of hosts quickly |
| Port & Service Detection | Lists open TCP ports and running services |
| Shares and Resources | Finds shared folders, hidden shares, and access permissions |
| MAC and Vendor Info | Identifies devices even when DNS fails |
| SNMP, WMI, SSH Integration | Pulls system info, uptime, user sessions, hardware specs |
| CSV/XML/HTML Export | Easy to sort, archive, or share results |
| Scripting and CLI Mode | Automate scans or integrate into toolchains |
| No Installation Needed | Portable executable — runs from USB or network share |
Who’s Using It
– Sysadmins auditing mixed or undocumented networks
– Teams verifying patch rollout or service availability
– MSPs documenting client networks before onboarding
– Security staff checking for rogue file shares or unauthorized devices
SoftPerfect Network Scanner often lands in the toolkit of seasoned admins — not because it looks pretty, but because it works every time.
System Requirements
– Windows 7 or newer, including Server editions
– Local network access to scan targets
– Optional: SNMP community strings, WMI credentials, or SSH access
– No dependencies — it’s a self-contained binary
Runs fine on a jump box, support laptop, or even straight from a flash drive.
How to Use It
1. Download the latest version
→ https://www.softperfect.com/products/networkscanner/
2. Launch the app
No installation needed — just run netscan.exe.
3. Define the target range
Enter IP subnet (e.g., 192.168.1.0/24) or import from a file.
4. Configure scanning options
Choose ports, enable WMI/SNMP checks, select visible columns.
5. Start the scan
Watch results populate live — green hosts, open services, file shares.
6. Save or export
Export the results to Excel, XML, or CSV as needed.
What Admins Say
“I use it when I don’t want to think — just need answers, fast.”
“Pulled MACs, logged-in users, and open shares across 200 machines in 3 minutes flat.”
“Still the easiest way to see what’s running on a LAN without deploying agents.”
Last Thought
SoftPerfect Network Scanner doesn’t try to be an all-in-one NMS. It’s for the real-world jobs: quick sweeps, fast audits, discovery before deployment. It does its work quietly, accurately, and without getting in the way.
It’s one of those tools that gets copied to every new admin’s USB stick — for good reason.
