This little self-contained, no-dependency tool can be built either as a console application or a Windows application which has no visible window (ideal to use in combination with setup makers).
It offers a command-line-based driver (un-)installer and allows for simple manipulation of class filter entries.
Publisher’s description
What is nefcon?
nefcon by Nefarius Software Solutions e.U. is open-source Windows software in the drivers & hardware category. It is written in C++.
Installation and requirements
The publisher provides Portable installers for 64-bit, ARM64 and 32-bit Windows. It runs without installation (portable).
Updates and version history
The current version is 1.18.74, released on August 17, 2026. The version history goes back to January 11, 2023: 10 releases, all linked to the official files. That is about 2.8 releases a year.
Popularity and file types
The source code on GitHub (nefarius/nefcon) has 93 stars. Similar programs include Driver Store Explorer, Barrier and Dokan Library.
Project description on GitHub: “Windows device driver installation and management tool.”
Pros / Cons
Pros
- Open source: the code can be inspected and built by anyone
- Native ARM64 build for Windows on Arm
- Portable: runs without installation
In short: nefcon is an open-source drivers & hardware tool for 64-bit, ARM64 and 32-bit PCs.
Is nefcon safe to download?
- The file is served by github.com, the publisher’s own domain
- The download link uses HTTPS
- A SHA256 hash is published, so you can verify the file:
625ABCDEA9E84577D094AB65A8542C9977EB50F2371D216961AF01CF4901F172· Open the VirusTotal report for this hash - The link has not been checked yet
- The source code is public
- ExeAtlas does not host, wrap or modify installers
Related guide: How to check a file’s SHA256 hash on Windows
Recent versions
All 10 versions ›10 versions over 4 years · about 2.8 a year
| Version | Date | Size | Files |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.18.74Latest | August 17, 2026 | — | 64-bit ZIPARM64 ZIP32-bit ZIP |
| 1.14.0 | October 5, 2025 | — | ARM64 ZIP64-bit ZIP32-bit ZIP |
| 1.13.0 | October 5, 2025 | — | 32-bit ZIP64-bit ZIPARM64 ZIP |
| 1.12.0 | February 21, 2025 | — | 32-bit ZIPARM64 ZIP64-bit ZIP |
| 1.11.1 | November 3, 2024 | — | ARM64 ZIP32-bit ZIP64-bit ZIP |
| 1.11.0 | August 26, 2024 | — | ARM64 ZIP32-bit ZIP64-bit ZIP |
| 1.10.0 | June 13, 2023 | — | 64-bit ZIP32-bit ZIPARM64 ZIP |
| 1.9.0 | June 6, 2023 | — | ARM64 ZIP64-bit ZIP32-bit ZIP |
Install from the command line
Silent install ›winget install --id Nefarius.nefcon -escoop install extras/nefconRelated guide: How to use winget: install and update apps
Information
- Publisher
- Nefarius Software Solutions e.U.
- Category
- Drivers & hardware
- Licence
- MIT
- Price
- Free
- Source code
- github.com/nefarius/nefcon
- Written in
- C++
- Requires
- Windows 11 / 10
- Architecture
- 64-bit, ARM64, 32-bit
- Installer
- Portable
- Version
- 1.18.74
- Released
- August 17, 2026
- Added to the catalogue
- February 1, 2023
- Versions listed
- 10
- Updates / year
- 2.8
- GitHub stars
- 93
- GitHub forks
- 7
- Website
- github.com
- winget ID
- Nefarius.nefcon
- Scoop package
- extras/nefcon
Ratings and reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to rate it.
Alternatives to nefcon
See all ›-
Driver Store Explorer1.0.36Makes it easier to deal with Windows' driver store. Supported operations include to list/add/install/delete third-party driver packages.Open source20K ↓ -
Open source55.9K ↓ -
Open source42.1K ↓ -
Display Driver Uninstaller18.1.5.3Display Driver Uninstaller is a driver removal utility that can help you completely uninstall AMD/NVIDIA/INTEL graphics card drivers and packages from your system, trying to remove all leftovers (including registry keys, folders and files, driver store).Open source120K ↓ -
Open source10.2K ↓ -
Dell Command | Update5.7.0Dell Command Update is a stand-alone application for systems that provides updates for system software that is released by Dell. This application simplifies the BIOS, firmware, driver, and application update experience for Dell client hardware.Proprietary33.9M ↓ -
Open source82.1K ↓ -
Open source46K ↓
Frequently asked questions
Is nefcon free?
Yes. nefcon is open-source software under the MIT licence.
Is nefcon safe to download?
The download comes from github.com, which belongs to the publisher; ExeAtlas does not host or change the file. Compare its SHA256 hash with the one shown here, or open the VirusTotal report for that hash.
How do I install nefcon with winget?
Open PowerShell or Windows Terminal and run the winget command shown on this page. winget downloads the official installer and checks its SHA256 hash before running it.
Does nefcon run on ARM (Windows on Arm)?
Yes, there is a native ARM64 installer.
Where can I download an older version of nefcon?
The versions page lists all 10 versions with links to their official installer files, back to January 11, 2023.
Can I use nefcon without administrator rights?
Yes, it is portable: unpack and run it.
What are alternatives to nefcon?
Driver Store Explorer, Barrier, Dokan Library, Display Driver Uninstaller and g-helper. The alternatives page compares them.
