Computer users have a few options to list devices connected to the local network. O&O Lanytix is a free software for Windows that does offers the functionality.
Why is this important? There are several purposes. One may help reveal foreign devices connected to the network. It may also reveal hidden cameras, provided that they are connected to the same network.
The application is compatible with all supported versions of Windows (Windows 10 and up). Just download the 2 megabyte file to get started. You can run it after the download completes, an installation is not necessary.
Activate the scan local network button to run the first scan. It takes a moment to complete and reveals connected devices.
Each device is listed with its name, IP address, Mac, manufacturer, ping, OS, and the time it first appeared on the network. The status, on (connected) or off (disconnected) is also displayed.
Name, operating system, and manufacturer may reveal much about the devices, but this is not always the case. Some devices have no name or manufacturer, which may make it difficult to identify them.
An option to assign notes to entries is missing; this could help improve identification, as it may make it easier to spot foreign or new devices.
One of the shortcomings of Lanytix is that it does not support automation. There is no hourly scan option or other scan options. If you want a scan, you need to activate the scan button manually.
The application keeps a history for each detected device. Double-click on a device to look up the information. It shows changes, for instance to a device’s IP address, among other things.
The program supports scanning an IP range next to that. Data can be exported.
Verdict: O&O Lanytix is a well-designed program for Windows. It is easy to use and scans the local network for devices quickly. The log feature is particularly handy, as it reveals a device’s history.
Do you scan devices in your networks sometimes? Or is that something that you have no interest in at all? Feel free to leave a comment down below.
Neat, but the Scan IP range does not appear to be functional – it does nothing. The program also worked from a Windows 7 system, but in this case the WMI column only contained entries for the Win7 clients (to be expected).
It worked on the Windows 11 system I tried it on. Did you run it on Windows 7 only?
No, I ran it on both Windows 7 and 10 in a domain environment, but I have no Windows 11 to test it on further. In my cases, selecting the ‘Custom’ radio button worked, but nothing else happened after that. The regular scan button still worked normally and if the ‘scan range’ button was selected again, the dialog box would pop up and the ‘Custom’ button was still checked. Curious.
No, I don’t scan my network. The closest I’ve come to that was the other day when I was having issues with two ports on an Arris Modem only feeding 10MBs rather than the 1GB. I happened upon the Connected Devices that show in the Modem UI. Interesting.
Lots of alternatives to Fing, which is supposedly okay for home use. NMap?
https://alternativeto.net/software/fing/
Guess I would need a few more computers and users onboard
That looked interesting initially, but requires Windows 10 minimum to run together with NET 4.7.2 neither of which I have. But I already have an alternative app which can do the same thing called CrowdInspect which includes a free VirusTotal API key.
That said, I’d be very surprised if anything is connected to my network since I’ve disabled Wi-Fi on my router and only connect to it myself with an Ethernet cable. My laptop also runs in Aeroplane mode only so I’m pretty sure I’m invisible to all the nasties out there.
And for good measure, I’ve also renamed the SSID and WPA2 keys as well so I’m pretty sure my network is secure from prying eyes. 😉
That’s ideal. I prefer cable connections whenever possible.
If someone has setup their own LAN and does not know how to access their router and get this info, their ignorance is a security risk not only to themselves but to us all as it makes it easier for hackers to use their hardware for illegal purposes.
We use only static ip’s with bound mac addresses for all of our own devices. We only use DHCP for the guest network for stuff like kids school laptops and to share WiFi with guests.
Add to that, routers need updates too and you only learn about them by opening it’s interface.
“Wireless Network Watcher”
… is a similar program from Nirsoft and offers automated background scanning. There is an option to set the time between scans, default being every 60 seconds
Correction
Wake-me-on-lan
… Is the correct name for the nirsoft application that identifies all devices connected to a local network.
Wireless-network-watcher is for seeing info about nearby networks.