Professional all-in-one
Windows server monitoring PRTG
PRTG uses WMI, performance counters,
and SNMP
PRTG monitors CPU, memory, traffic, uptime
Windows event log monitoring
Windows security monitoring
User-defined sensors for individual needs
Windows monitoring with PRTG
Jump to the topic of your choice
- Windows monitoring software: 5 advantages of PRTG
- Using a different tool? Why you should switch to PRTG
- A sampling: Seven sensors for Windows server monitoring
- Tip: The PRTG system information feature for Windows
- Paessler study on WMI network monitoring
- One of our larger studies was carried out in 2012. Here are the most important results
- Results of the 2012 WMI test as a bar chart
- Reader tips from our knowledge base
- Windows uptime monitoring: How PRTG can help
- 3 PRTG sensors for querying uptime
- Windows availability tool: The advantages of PRTG
- Monitoring with PRTG: Other areas of interest
Windows monitoring software: 5 advantages of PRTG
NetFlow is a protocol for collecting, aggregating and recording traffic flow data in a network. NetFlow data provide a more granular view of how bandwidth and network traffic are being used than other monitoring solutions, such as SNMP. NetFlow was developed by Cisco and is embedded in Cisco’s IOS software on the company’s routers and switches and has been supported on almost all Cisco devices since the 11.1 train of Cisco IOS Software.
Read more
Overall monitoring solution
PRTG provides an overview of your entire network. Our software monitors database, mail, web, and virtual servers. Whether CPU, memory, disk space, traffic, uptime, and more: PRTG is an all-around solution that provides peace of mind. The alarm and reports features are also included.
Technology
PRTG uses a variety of technologies for its Windows server monitoring. Among these technologies are Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) and Windows performance counters. As an alternative, you can also use SNMP, which generates significantly lower loads. We also offer packet sniffing and NetFlow sensors for the detailed monitoring of individual data packets.
Individually customizable
Countless parameters can be monitored in Windows. When specific problems arise, administrators need individually customizable monitoring software. PRTG comes with several custom sensors which you can configure to meet your own particular needs. And that means you will quickly get to the root of problems.
Windows event log monitoring
PRTG analyzes Windows Event Log files by default – and without much fuss. Event Log files include application and system logs, among others. If an error occurs in the Windows operating system, a special PRTG sensor immediately sounds the alarm so you can fix it.
Windows security monitoring
Security-related data (such as the status of antivirus software) is displayed in the Windows Security Center. PRTG retrieves this data and integrates it into your monitoring overview. You therefore get a constant overview via your dashboard. And thanks to the PRTG app, you can even keep an eye on things while on the go.
Using a different tool? Why you should switch to PRTG:
How PRTG defines sensors
In PRTG, “sensors” are the basic monitoring elements. One sensor usually monitors one measured value in your network, e.g. the traffic of a switch port, the CPU load of a server, the free space of a disk drive. On average you need about 5-10 sensors per device or one sensor per switch port.
Centralized tool
PRTG is a comprehensive monitoring tool that covers all your monitoring needs. You get a global overview of your system, available 24/7. Do away with having to juggle a variety of specialized tools which only offer isolated solutions and cost precious time.
Tried and tested solutions
PAESSLER AG is backed by an experienced developer team focused entirely on PRTG. With PRTG, you’ll benefit from solutions which have been in the works for several years. Gone are the days when you need to continuously program new interfaces yourself – it’s all done already!
Easy configuration
The PRTG auto-discovery makes configuration a breeze. During set up, simply enter an IP range and PRTG will search for available devices and apply predefined sensors. This means you can get started with some initial monitoring the very first time you open the software.
Tip
Click here for a direct comparison between PRTG and Nagios.
Your windows monitoring at a glance – even on the go
PRTG is set up in a matter of minutes and can be used on a wide variety of mobile devices.
“Hey Greg, what would you tell administrators looking to monitor their Windows Server with PRTG?“
„PerfCounter Custom sensors are some of the most useful sensors to be overlooked by users. Imagine SNMP sensors, but for Windows performance counters. Simply find out the name of the counter you wish you monitor. There’s a great knowledge base article on this topic.
Once you have the name, setting up the sensor is a piece of cake. It’s amazing to think of how many PerfCounters are really available for Windows applications, especially those which don’t come from Microsoft itself. These counters often offer insights into applications or processes which you may have once thought to be impossible.“
Greg Campion is a SysAdmin at PAESSLER AG.
A sampling: Seven sensors for Windows server monitoring
WMI stands for Windows Management Instrumentation. Designed by Microsoft, it is an infrastructure for the standardized management of data and information that is device independent. Since Windows 2000, WMI comes preinstalled with Windows operating systems.
Read more
PRTG comes with predefined sensors for monitoring conventional parameters such as CPU, memory, and the network card. We also offer a number of useful sensors which you can customize yourself.
- WMI Event Log Sensor: This sensor reads the Windows Event Log and provides easy-to-read visuals of the data.
- Event Log (Windows API) Sensor: This sensor uses the Windows Application Programming Interface (API).
- WMI Security Center Sensor: This sensor monitors any product which can be inspected by the Windows Security Center.
- PerfCounter Custom Sensor: This sensor monitors an individually-compiled set of Windows performance counters.
- WMI Custom Sensor: This sensor uses WMI to execute an individual WQL query and monitors the subsequent return value.
- Windows Process Sensor: This sensor monitors a Windows process using performance counters or WMI.
- REST Custom Sensor: This sensor monitors the availability of RESTful APIs, recognizes the content of XML an JSON files automatically and creates suitable channels for values.
Tip: The PRTG system information feature for Windows
A system information feature is available for every Windows device set up in PRTG. An additional tab displays information on your Windows system, such as its IP address, which hardware is installed, and the software that is running. Current processes are also listed there.
Reader tips from our knowledge base
Over the years, we have answered countless questions from our users in our knowledge base. This database contains basic as well as detailed answers to questions regarding Windows Server monitoring.
- Step-by-step instructions:
Installing and Configuring the SNMP Service on Windows - Configuring the Event Log Sensor:
Event Log Sensors: Setting Correct Status and Source Filter - Windows Management Instrumentation:
General Introduction to WMI and PRTG
Markus Puke, Network Administrator, Schüchtermann Klinik, Germany
“We can all work with greater peace of mind knowing
that our systems are constantly being monitored.”
Trusted by 500,000 users and recognized
by industry analysts as a leader
“Fantastic network and infrastructure monitoring solution that is easy to deploy and easier still to use. Simply the best available.”
“Software is absolutely perfect, Support is superior. Meets all needs and requirements, this is a must have solution if you are needing any form of monitoring.”
“The tool excels at its primary focus of being a unified infrastructure management and network monitoring service.”
PRTG makes your job easier
Our monitoring software frees you to focus on other tasks by promptly notifying you of potential issues.
Save effort
PRTG gives you one central monitoring tool for your servers and entire network. Enjoy a quick overview of your whole infrastructure via our dashboard and app.
Save time
Getting started with PRTG is a breeze. Setting up or switching from another network monitoring tool is easy thanks to the auto-discovery and pre-configured device templates.
Save money
80% of our customers report substantial cost savings with network monitoring. Your costs of licenses will likely pay for themselves within weeks.
“Easy to implement and configure with good technical support.”
R. v. S., ICT Manager at Heinen & Hopman Eng BV
Windows uptime monitoring: How PRTG can help
The Windows Update problem
In order to execute pending updates in Windows systems, a reboot is almost always required. As a result, the computer or server shuts down during the update and then restarts, creating downtime that can lead to applications being unavailable, and subsequently to work interruptions and even losses in sales. Many administrators solve the “update problem” by distributing services across several servers (Windows clustering) to ensure important systems stay available during downtime, which can, of course, occur during other situations besides updates.
More about update monitoring >>
How PRTG can help: PRTG keeps a constant eye on uptime, and lets you compile comprehensive statistics. Show your colleagues and higher-ups that you have a firm grip on your network! In the event of a malfunction, you’ll immediately receive a notification via our tool so you can keep downtime to an absolute minimum. The alarm system is an integral part of PRTG.
Show Windows uptime
“Show Windows uptime” is a common online search amongst network administrators. There are several options for viewing uptime (runtime). One such possibility works via the command line. Enter the command “Systeminfo” into a Windows command-line tool. Windows will then display, among other information, the “System Boot Time,” or the date and time when the system was last rebooted. Another option is the Task Manager. In the “Performance” tab, the CPU’s “Up Time” is displayed in days, hours, minutes, and seconds.
How PRTG can help: PRTG provides you with a constant overview of uptime. Gone are the days of having to check uptime manually – PRTG displays it on your dashboard automatically. You can also have Windows uptime statistics generated automatically, and if desired, configure your own alarms.
3 PRTG sensors for querying uptime
There are several ways to calculate uptime with PRTG, including with the following sensors:
Ping sensor
The Ping Sensor measures ping time. If a device is non-responsive, then it is clear at once that the device is currently turned off or unavailable in the network. You can check uptime and downtime in the sensor statistics.
SNMP system uptime sensor
The SNMP System Uptime Sensor will show you how long a device has been active. This sensor also works on non-Windows devices!
Windows system uptime sensor
You can also use WMI to keep an eye on your Windows System Uptime.
Windows availability tool: The advantages of PRTG
PRTG provides a continuous overview
PRTG lets you keep a constant eye on the availability of your Windows servers. If problems arise, you'll immediately receive an alert. You can configure the alarm feature however you like, and receive an alert by email or SMS, for example.
PRTG provides for quicker troubleshooting
Thanks to the continuous monitoring by PRTG, you’ll receive valuable historical data. You can use this data to observe availability over a longer period of time, making it easier to get to the root of sudden crashes.
PRTG is compatible with many different Windows Server versions
PRTG works with all the current versions of Windows Server, including Windows Server 2008 R2, 2012 R2, and Windows Server 2016.
PRTG strives for 100% availability
Your goal as an administrator is to offer your network the highest level of availability as possible. PRTG can help you reach this goal.
Want to read more? Please do!
- Check out our uptime monitoring page for tips and tricks on how to monitor the uptime of your servers, website, and devices.
- VoIP Monitoring: Keep track of your VoIP quality (QoS and IP SLA) and get notifications before phone errors occur
Create innovative solutions with Paessler’s IT partners
Partnering with innovative IT vendors, Paessler unleashes synergies to create
new and additional benefits for joined customers.
Combining their tools to a powerful solution for advanced analysis and automation, KnowledgeRiver and Paessler enable IT teams to ensure best performance for their infrastructure and networks.
KnowledgeRiver
With ScriptRunner, Paessler integrates a powerful event automation platform into PRTG Network Monitor.
ScriptRunner
Monitoring with PRTG: Other areas of interest
Database monitoring
PRTG lets you set up comprehensive database monitoring. Oracle SQL, Windows SQL, MySQL: With PRTG, you’ll prevent downtime and improve performance. Find out more on our Database Monitoring page.
WMI monitoring
Windows Management Instrumentation is monitoring technology designed by Windows. It has its advantages, but also comes with drawbacks. First determine the extent to which you use WMI for your Windows monitoring. Find out more on our WMI Monitoring page.
Server monitoring
There are many aspects to server monitoring. Databases must run in the same way as the web or mail server. Only then can the company be efficient. Find out more on the PRTG product page and Server Monitoring page.
PRTG: The multi-tool for sysadmins
Adapt PRTG individually and dynamically to your needs and rely on a strong API:- HTTP API: Access monitoring data and manipulate monitoring objects via HTTP requests
- Custom sensors: Create your own PRTG sensors for customized monitoring
- Custom notifications: Create your own notifications and send action triggers to external systems
- REST Custom sensor: Monitor almost everything that provides data in XML or JSON format
Still not convinced?
More than 500,000 sysadmins love PRTG
Paessler PRTG is used by companies of all sizes. Sysadmins love PRTG because it makes their job a whole lot easier.
Still not convinced?
Monitor your entire IT infrastructure
Bandwidth, servers, virtual environments, websites, VoIP services – PRTG keeps an eye on your entire network.
Try Paessler PRTG for free
Everyone has different monitoring needs. That’s why we let you try PRTG for free. Start now with your trial.
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PRTG |
Network Monitoring Software - Version 23.2.84.1566 (May 24th, 2023) |
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Hosting |
Download for Windows and cloud-based version PRTG Hosted Monitor available |
Languages |
English, German, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Dutch, Russian, Japanese, and Simplified Chinese |
Pricing |
Up to 100 sensors for free (Price List) |
Unified Monitoring |
Network devices, bandwidth, servers, applications, virtual environments, remote systems, IoT, and more |
Supported Vendors & Applications |
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Combining the broad monitoring feature set of PRTG with IP Fabric’s automated network assurance creates a new level of network visibility and reliability.