PsExec Speed Test: How To Measure Network Speed On PC

Oct 30, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 54 views

Hey guys! Ever wondered if your network is as fast as it should be? Or maybe you're troubleshooting a slow connection and need a way to measure your network speed accurately on your PC? Well, you've come to the right place! In this article, we'll dive deep into using PsExec for speed testing, providing you with a comprehensive guide to understanding and optimizing your network performance. Let's get started and make sure you're getting the bandwidth you're paying for!

Understanding the Need for Network Speed Tests

Before we jump into the how-to, let's quickly cover why you might need to perform a network speed test in the first place. Whether you're a gamer, a streamer, or just someone who relies on a stable internet connection for work or leisure, knowing your network speed is crucial. Slow speeds can lead to frustrating buffering, lag, and interruptions, which can seriously impact your productivity and enjoyment. Regularly testing your network speed can help you identify potential issues, troubleshoot problems, and ensure you're getting the performance you expect from your internet service provider (ISP). Moreover, if you're experiencing network slowdowns, understanding how to conduct a thorough speed test can give you the data you need to approach your ISP with concrete evidence of the problem. This way, you're not just saying, "My internet is slow," but rather, "According to my speed tests, I'm only getting X Mbps when I'm paying for Y Mbps." That kind of specific information makes it much easier for them to diagnose and resolve the issue. Plus, it’s always a good idea to run speed tests after making changes to your network setup, like adding a new router or extending your Wi-Fi range. This helps you verify that the changes have had the desired effect and haven't inadvertently introduced any new bottlenecks. So, whether you're a tech enthusiast or just want to make sure your internet is running smoothly, understanding network speed tests is a valuable skill in today's connected world.

What is PsExec and Why Use It for Speed Testing?

So, what exactly is PsExec, and why are we focusing on it for speed testing? PsExec, part of the Sysinternals Suite (now acquired by Microsoft), is a lightweight tool that allows you to execute processes on remote systems. While it's not specifically designed for speed testing, its ability to run commands remotely makes it incredibly useful for assessing network performance between two points within your network. Unlike online speed tests, which measure the speed between your computer and a remote server on the internet, PsExec allows you to measure the actual speed between two computers on your local network. This is particularly useful for identifying bottlenecks within your internal network infrastructure, such as slow switches, routers, or network cables. By running a speed test between two computers on your network using PsExec, you can bypass the limitations of your internet connection and focus solely on the performance of your local network. This can be invaluable for troubleshooting issues like slow file transfers, network latency, or poor performance in networked applications. Moreover, PsExec is a command-line tool, which means it can be easily automated and integrated into scripts for regular network monitoring. This allows you to track network performance over time and identify trends that might indicate developing problems. Another advantage of using PsExec for speed testing is that it gives you more control over the testing parameters. You can customize the size of the data being transferred, the duration of the test, and the protocols used, allowing you to tailor the test to your specific needs and environment. In contrast, online speed tests typically use pre-defined parameters that may not accurately reflect your network usage patterns. For example, if you frequently transfer large files, you might want to use PsExec to test the network's ability to handle large data transfers, whereas an online speed test might only measure the speed of small data packets. So, while online speed tests are great for checking your internet speed, PsExec offers a more powerful and flexible solution for assessing the performance of your local network.

Prerequisites for Using PsExec

Before we get our hands dirty with PsExec, let's make sure we have all the necessary prerequisites in place. First and foremost, you'll need to download PsExec from the official Microsoft website. Simply search for "PsExec download" on your favorite search engine, and you should find the link to the Sysinternals Suite page on the Microsoft website. Download the ZIP file, extract its contents, and place the PsExec executable (psexec.exe) in a convenient location, such as your System32 directory, so you can access it from anywhere in the command prompt. Next, you'll need to have two computers connected to the same network. These can be physical computers or virtual machines, but they must be able to communicate with each other over the network. Ensure that both computers have file and printer sharing enabled, as this is required for PsExec to function correctly. You'll also need to know the hostname or IP address of the remote computer that you'll be running the speed test on. This is how PsExec will identify the target computer. On the remote computer, you'll need to have administrative privileges, as PsExec requires administrative access to execute commands remotely. Make sure you have a user account with administrative rights and know the username and password for that account. Finally, you'll need to ensure that Windows Firewall or any other firewall software is not blocking communication between the two computers. You may need to create exceptions in the firewall for PsExec or disable the firewall temporarily for testing purposes. However, be sure to re-enable the firewall after you've finished testing to maintain the security of your network. Once you've met all these prerequisites, you'll be ready to start using PsExec to measure your network speed. Just remember to take precautions to protect your network security, such as using strong passwords and keeping your software up to date.

Step-by-Step Guide: Measuring Network Speed with PsExec

Alright, let's get down to business! Here's a step-by-step guide on how to measure your network speed using PsExec. Follow these instructions carefully, and you'll be able to assess your network performance in no time.

Open Command Prompt as Administrator: On the computer you'll be running PsExec from, open the Command Prompt as an administrator. You can do this by searching for "cmd" in the Start menu, right-clicking on the Command Prompt icon, and selecting "Run as administrator."
Navigate to the PsExec Directory: In the Command Prompt, navigate to the directory where you saved the PsExec executable (psexec.exe). For example, if you saved it in your System32 directory, you can skip this step. If you saved it in a different directory, use the cd command to navigate to that directory. For example, cd C:\Tools\PsExec.
Run the PsExec Command: Now, it's time to run the PsExec command to execute a speed test on the remote computer. The exact command you'll use will depend on the specific speed testing tool you want to use. Here's an example using the iperf3 tool, which is a popular command-line tool for measuring network bandwidth:
```
psexec \\<remote_computer_name> -u <username> -p <password> iperf3 -s
```
Replace <remote_computer_name> with the hostname or IP address of the remote computer, <username> with the username of an account with administrative privileges on the remote computer, and <password> with the password for that account. This command will execute the iperf3 server on the remote computer.
Run iperf3 Client on the Local Machine: Open another Command Prompt window on the local machine and run the iperf3 client, pointing it to the remote server:
```
iperf3 -c <remote_computer_name>
```
Replace <remote_computer_name> with the hostname or IP address of the remote computer. This command will start the speed test and display the results in the Command Prompt window.
Analyze the Results: Once the speed test is complete, analyze the results displayed in the Command Prompt window. The results will typically include information such as the bandwidth (in Mbps or Gbps), latency, and packet loss. Pay attention to the bandwidth, as this is the primary indicator of your network speed. Compare the measured bandwidth to the expected bandwidth to determine if your network is performing as it should. If the measured bandwidth is significantly lower than the expected bandwidth, this could indicate a problem with your network infrastructure, such as a slow switch, router, or network cable.

By following these steps, you can use PsExec to measure your network speed and identify potential bottlenecks within your network. Remember to replace the placeholders in the commands with your actual values and adjust the commands as needed for your specific speed testing tool.

Alternative Speed Testing Tools for PsExec

While we've focused on using iperf3 for speed testing with PsExec, there are several other speed testing tools you can use, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Here are a few popular alternatives:

NTttcp: NTttcp (Microsoft Network Test Tool - TCP) is a command-line tool developed by Microsoft for testing network performance. It's specifically designed for Windows environments and offers a wide range of features for customizing the test parameters. NTttcp is known for its accuracy and reliability, making it a popular choice for professional network administrators. To use NTttcp with PsExec, you'll need to download the tool from the Microsoft website and configure it to run in server mode on the remote computer and client mode on the local computer. The command-line syntax for NTttcp can be a bit complex, so be sure to consult the documentation for detailed instructions.
qperf: qperf is another command-line tool for measuring network performance. It's similar to iperf3 but offers some additional features, such as support for measuring latency and CPU utilization. qperf is available for both Windows and Linux, making it a versatile choice for cross-platform network testing. To use qperf with PsExec, you'll need to install it on both the local and remote computers and configure it to run in server mode on the remote computer and client mode on the local computer. The command-line syntax for qperf is relatively straightforward, making it easy to use even for beginners.
Speedtest CLI: For those who prefer a more user-friendly experience, Speedtest CLI provides a command-line interface to the popular Speedtest.net service. This allows you to perform internet speed tests from the command line without having to open a web browser. While Speedtest CLI is primarily designed for measuring internet speed, it can also be used to test the speed between two computers on a local network by pointing it to a local Speedtest server. To use Speedtest CLI with PsExec, you'll need to install it on the local computer and configure it to point to a local Speedtest server. The command-line syntax for Speedtest CLI is very simple, making it easy to use even for non-technical users.

When choosing a speed testing tool for PsExec, consider your specific needs and requirements. If you need a tool with a wide range of features and accurate results, NTttcp might be the best choice. If you prefer a simpler tool with a user-friendly interface, Speedtest CLI might be a better option. And if you need a tool that's available for both Windows and Linux, qperf might be the way to go. Experiment with different tools to find the one that works best for you.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with a clear guide, you might run into some snags. Here are some common issues and how to troubleshoot them:

"Access Denied" Errors: This usually means PsExec doesn't have the necessary permissions. Double-check that you're running Command Prompt as an administrator and that the user account you're using on the remote computer has administrative privileges.
Firewall Issues: Firewalls can block PsExec from communicating with the remote computer. Temporarily disable the firewall on both computers or create exceptions for PsExec and the speed testing tool you're using.
Incorrect Hostname or IP Address: Make sure you're using the correct hostname or IP address for the remote computer. Double-check the spelling and ensure that the computer is reachable on the network.
Speed Testing Tool Not Found: If PsExec can't find the speed testing tool on the remote computer, make sure the tool is installed and that the path to the executable is correct.
Slow Speeds Despite Good Hardware: If you're experiencing slow speeds even with good hardware, there could be a problem with your network cabling, switches, or routers. Try replacing these components one by one to see if that improves performance. Also, check for any interference on your Wi-Fi network, such as from other wireless devices or appliances.

By systematically troubleshooting these common issues, you can usually resolve most problems you encounter when using PsExec for speed testing. If you're still having trouble, consult the documentation for PsExec and the speed testing tool you're using, or seek help from online forums or communities.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! A comprehensive guide to using PsExec for measuring network speed on your PC. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can gain valuable insights into your network performance and identify potential bottlenecks that may be slowing you down. Remember to use a reliable speed testing tool, troubleshoot common issues, and regularly monitor your network performance to ensure optimal performance. Now go forth and optimize your network for a smoother, faster, and more enjoyable online experience! Good luck, and happy testing!