Nmap (Network Mapper) is a network scanner created by Gordon Lyon (also known by his pseudonym Fyodor Vaskovich). Nmap is used to discover hosts and services on a computer network by sending packets and analyzing the responses.
Nmap provides a number of features for probing computer networks, including host discovery and service and operating system detection. These features are extensible by scripts that provide more advanced service detection, vulnerability detection, and other features. Nmap can adapt to network conditions including latency and congestion during a scan.
Nmap started as a Linux utility and was ported to other systems including Windows, macOS, and BSD. It is most popular on Linux, followed by Windows.
Nmap can provide further information on targets, including reverse DNS names, device types, and MAC addresses.
It has been cited in academic surveys as a foundational tool for network security reconnaissance.
What is Nmap?
Nmap by Nmap Project (developed by Gordon Lyon) is open-source Windows software in the network tools category. It ranks 5th by popularity among network tools in this catalogue. The first release dates back to 1997. It is written in C++, Python, and C. Besides Windows, it is available for Linux, BSD, macOS, Android and Unix-like operating system.
Installation and requirements
The publisher provides EXE (NSIS) installers for 32-bit Windows. The main installer is 26.9 MB. It can be installed for the current user only, without administrator rights. It needs Windows 10 or newer. A silent install is possible with the installer’s documented switches.
Updates and version history
The current version is 7.80, released on March 30, 2021. The version history goes back to April 7, 2026: 2 releases, all linked to the official files. That is about 0.4 releases a year. The last update is more than a year old.
Popularity and file types
The Chocolatey package has been downloaded 897,874 times. Wikipedia has an article about it in 35 of our languages. Similar programs include Wireshark, ZeroTier One and Angry IP Scanner.
Pros / Cons
Pros
- Open source: the code can be inspected and built by anyone
- Documented silent install
- Installs without administrator rights
- Also runs on Linux, BSD and macOS
- Mature project (since 1997)
Cons
- No native ARM64 build
- 32-bit only
- No update for more than a year
In short: Nmap is an open-source network tool tool for 32-bit PCs. Updates have slowed down. Administrators can deploy it unattended.
Screenshots
Is Nmap safe to download?
- The file is served by nmap.org, the publisher’s own domain
- The download link uses HTTPS
- A SHA256 hash is published, so you can verify the file:
3B4D726BD366E7439367FA78A186DFA9B641D3B2AD354FD915581B6567480F94· Open the VirusTotal report for this hash - The link answered when we last checked it (October 22, 2026)
- 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 2 versions ›2 versions over 5 years · about 0.4 a year
| Version | Date | Size | Files |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7.80Latest | March 30, 2021 | 26.9 MB | 32-bit EXE (NSIS) |
| 7.60 | April 7, 2026 | 27.4 MB | 32-bit EXE (NSIS) |
Install from the command line
Silent install ›winget install --id Insecure.Nmap -echoco install nmap -yscoop install main/nmapnmap-7.80-setup.exe /SRelated guide: How to use winget: install and update apps
Also for other systems
brew install nmapInformation
- Publisher
- Nmap Project
- Developer
- Gordon Lyon
- Category
- Network tools
- Licence
- Modified GNU GPLv2
- Price
- Free
- Source code
- svn.nmap.org
- Written in
- C++, Python, and C
- Interface languages
- English
- Requires
- Windows 11 / 10 (Windows 10+)
- Architecture
- 32-bit
- Installer
- EXE (NSIS)
- Other platforms
- Linux, BSD, macOS, Android, Unix-like operating system
- Version
- 7.80
- Released
- March 30, 2021
- First release
- 1997
- Added to the catalogue
- March 30, 2021
- Versions listed
- 2
- Updates / year
- 0.4
- Chocolatey downloads
- 897,874
- Website
- nmap.org
- winget ID
- Insecure.Nmap
- Chocolatey package
- nmap
- Scoop package
- main/nmap
Ratings and reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to rate it.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Nmap free?
Yes. Nmap is open-source software under the Modified GNU GPLv2 licence.
Is Nmap safe to download?
The download comes from nmap.org, 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 Nmap 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 Nmap be installed silently?
Yes. The silent install page lists the exact command for each installer.
Which Windows versions does Nmap support?
The installer requires Windows 10 or newer and is available for 32-bit.
Does Nmap run on ARM (Windows on Arm)?
There is no ARM64 build; Windows 11 on Arm can run the 32-bit version through emulation.
Where can I download an older version of Nmap?
The versions page lists all 2 versions with links to their official installer files, back to April 7, 2026.
Can I use Nmap without administrator rights?
Yes, there is a per-user installer that does not need administrator rights.
What are alternatives to Nmap?
Wireshark, ZeroTier One, Angry IP Scanner, iPerf3 and Advanced IP Scanner. The alternatives page compares them.
