NetLimiter is a client-side traffic shaping, monitoring and firewall (computing) software for the Windows operating system. Unlike most traffic-shaping utilities, which are based on centrally managed hardware, NetLimiter is a software-only solution. This has the advantage of being less expensive to deploy, but can result in being more difficult to manage its use across more than one computer.
While it has a significant market among more technically minded computer users, in medium-to-large networks it becomes difficult for administrators to maintain multiple copies of configuration files. It is, however, useful for simulating slow links between departments showing how the applications will work when deployed to slower sites.
It is often lumped together with other free or shareware in articles that present the reader with 'essential' applications and poweruser-type utilities.
What is NetLimiter?
NetLimiter by Locktime Software is proprietary Windows software in the network tools category. It ranks 33rd by popularity among network tools in this catalogue. The first release dates back to 2005.
Installation and requirements
The publisher provides EXE installers for 64-bit and 32-bit Windows. The main installer is 21.3 MB. Installation asks for administrator rights. A silent install is possible with the installer’s documented switches.
Updates and version history
The current version is 5.3.28.0, released on October 6, 2026. The version history goes back to November 17, 2024: 9 releases, all linked to the official files. That is about 4.8 releases a year. The last update is less than a month old.
Popularity and file types
The Chocolatey package has been downloaded 12,198 times. Wikipedia has an article about it in 4 of our languages. Similar programs include Wireshark, ZeroTier One and iPerf3.
Pros / Cons
Pros
- Documented silent install
- Updated in the last two months
- Mature project (since 2005)
Cons
- Proprietary licence: check the terms and price
- No native ARM64 build
- Installation needs administrator rights
In short: NetLimiter is a network tool tool for 64-bit and 32-bit PCs. It is actively maintained. Administrators can deploy it unattended.
Is NetLimiter safe to download?
- The file is served by download.netlimiter.com, the publisher’s own domain
- The download link uses HTTPS
- A SHA256 hash is published, so you can verify the file:
E80CA0BFF71F96A1392AEF16CEE1E94472AF131907BFF7FACFF7B05807C06469· Open the VirusTotal report for this hash - The link answered when we last checked it (October 22, 2026)
- ExeAtlas does not host, wrap or modify installers
Related guide: How to check a file’s SHA256 hash on Windows
Recent versions
All 9 versions ›9 versions over 2 years · about 4.8 a year
| Version | Date | Size | Files |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.3.28.0Latest | October 6, 2026 | 21.3 MB | 64-bit EXE32-bit EXE |
| 5.3.27.0 | September 9, 2026 | 21.3 MB | 32-bit EXE64-bit EXE |
| 5.3.26.0 | November 24, 2025 | 11.1 MB | 32-bit EXE64-bit EXE |
| 5.3.25.0 | June 26, 2025 | 11.0 MB | 32-bit EXE64-bit EXE |
| 5.3.24.0 | May 17, 2025 | 10.9 MB | 32-bit EXE64-bit EXE |
| 5.3.23.0 | March 17, 2025 | 10.8 MB | 64-bit EXE32-bit EXE |
| 5.3.20.0 | February 12, 2025 | 10.8 MB | 32-bit EXE64-bit EXE |
| 5.3.19.0 | January 9, 2025 | 10.8 MB | 64-bit EXE32-bit EXE |
Install from the command line
Silent install ›winget install --id LocktimeSoftware.NetLimiter -echoco install netlimiter -ynetlimiter-5.3.28.0.exe /exenoui /quiet /norestartRelated guide: How to use winget: install and update apps
Information
- Publisher
- Locktime Software
- Category
- Network tools
- Licence
- Proprietary
- Price
- See the publisher’s site
- Requires
- Windows 11 / 10
- Architecture
- 64-bit, 32-bit
- Installer
- EXE
- Version
- 5.3.28.0
- Released
- October 6, 2026
- First release
- 2005
- Added to the catalogue
- November 17, 2024
- Versions listed
- 9
- Updates / year
- 4.8
- Chocolatey downloads
- 12,198
- Website
- netlimiter.com
- winget ID
- LocktimeSoftware.NetLimiter
- Chocolatey package
- netlimiter
Ratings and reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to rate it.
Alternatives to NetLimiter
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Frequently asked questions
Is NetLimiter free?
NetLimiter is proprietary (closed-source) software (licence: Proprietary). Whether it costs money depends on the edition: check the publisher’s site for prices and free tiers.
Is NetLimiter safe to download?
The download comes from download.netlimiter.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 NetLimiter 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.
Can NetLimiter be installed silently?
Yes. The silent install page lists the exact command for each installer.
Does NetLimiter run on ARM (Windows on Arm)?
There is no ARM64 build; Windows 11 on Arm can run the 64-bit and 32-bit version through emulation.
Where can I download an older version of NetLimiter?
The versions page lists all 9 versions with links to their official installer files, back to November 17, 2024.
What are alternatives to NetLimiter?
Wireshark, ZeroTier One, iPerf3, simplewall and Nmap. The alternatives page compares them.
