SelfishNet is a popular network control tool used to monitor connected devices and manage bandwidth on a local network. But one common problem many users face is that SelfishNet does not detect any devices after opening the program. Sometimes the device list stays empty, the scan button does not work properly, or only your own computer appears instead of all connected users.
This issue usually happens because of missing drivers, wrong network adapter selection, permission problems, firewall restrictions, or compatibility issues with newer versions of Windows. The good news is that in most cases, you can fix SelfishNet not detecting devices by following a few simple steps.
Read More: How Do I Limit Download Speed and Upload Speed in SelfishNet?
Why SelfishNet Is Not Detecting Devices
SelfishNet needs access to your network adapter so it can scan your local network and detect connected devices. If the required packet capture driver is missing or your network settings are not correct, the software will not be able to read network traffic properly.
Here are the most common reasons SelfishNet is not showing devices:
WinPcap or Npcap Is Not Installed
SelfishNet depends on packet capture drivers such as WinPcap or Npcap. Without these drivers, the tool cannot scan your network properly.
Older versions of SelfishNet were mainly built to work with WinPcap. However, WinPcap is outdated and may not work correctly on modern Windows systems. For Windows 10 and Windows 11, Npcap is usually a better option.
How to fix it:
Uninstall any broken or old WinPcap/Npcap installation first. Then install the latest version of Npcap and make sure to select the option called WinPcap API-compatible mode during installation. After installing it, restart your computer and open SelfishNet again.
This one step fixes the device detection issue for many users.
SelfishNet Is Not Running as Administrator
SelfishNet needs administrator permission to access network-level functions. If you open it normally, Windows may block some actions, and the software may fail to detect connected devices.
How to fix it:
Right-click on the SelfishNet application file and select Run as administrator. If this works, you can set it permanently by going to Properties, opening the Compatibility tab, and enabling Run this program as an administrator.
Wrong Network Adapter Is Selected
If your computer has multiple adapters, such as Wi-Fi, Ethernet, VPN, Bluetooth, or virtual adapters, SelfishNet may choose the wrong one. When the wrong adapter is selected, the tool cannot scan the active network.
How to fix it:
Open SelfishNet and check the network adapter selection. Choose the adapter that is currently connected to your internet connection. If you are using Wi-Fi, select your wireless adapter. If you are using a LAN cable, select your Ethernet adapter.
You should also disable unnecessary adapters temporarily, such as VPN adapters, VirtualBox adapters, VMware adapters, or Bluetooth network connections. This makes it easier for SelfishNet to scan the correct network.
VPN or Proxy Is Interfering
A VPN changes the way your traffic is routed. Because of this, SelfishNet may not be able to see other devices on your local network. Proxy tools, virtual network software, and some security apps can cause the same problem.
How to fix it:
Disconnect your VPN and close any proxy or virtual network tools. Then restart SelfishNet as administrator and scan the network again. Once SelfishNet detects the devices, you can confirm that the VPN or proxy was causing the issue.
Firewall or Antivirus Is Blocking SelfishNet
Windows Defender Firewall or third-party antivirus software may block SelfishNet because it interacts with network traffic. Some security tools may treat it as suspicious and stop it from scanning devices.
How to fix it:
Allow SelfishNet through your firewall and antivirus settings. You can also temporarily disable your antivirus for testing purposes, but only do this if you downloaded SelfishNet from a trusted source. After testing, turn your protection back on.
If your antivirus keeps removing or blocking SelfishNet, add it to the allowed apps list only if you are sure the file is safe.
Devices Are Not on the Same Network
SelfishNet can only detect devices connected to the same local network. If your phone, laptop, or other device is connected to a different Wi-Fi network, guest network, mobile hotspot, or separate router, it may not appear in the list.
How to fix it:
Make sure all devices are connected to the same router and same Wi-Fi network. Avoid guest Wi-Fi because many routers isolate guest users from the main network. Also check that your computer is not connected to one network while other devices are connected to another.
Router Isolation Is Enabled
Some routers have a feature called AP Isolation, Client Isolation, or Wireless Isolation. When this option is enabled, devices on the same Wi-Fi network cannot communicate with each other. This can stop SelfishNet from detecting other devices.
How to fix it:
Log in to your router settings and look for options like AP Isolation, Client Isolation, Wireless Isolation, or Guest Network Isolation. Turn this feature off for your main network. After saving the settings, restart your router and scan again in SelfishNet.
SelfishNet Version Is Too Old
Some old SelfishNet builds do not work well on newer Windows versions. If the program opens but does not scan correctly, the issue may be related to compatibility.
How to fix it:
Try running SelfishNet in compatibility mode. Right-click the program, open Properties, go to the Compatibility tab, and select an older Windows version such as Windows 7. Then run the program as administrator.
Also make sure you are using a clean and complete SelfishNet package. Missing files can cause scanning problems.
Your Network Driver Has a Problem
Sometimes the issue is not with SelfishNet itself but with your Wi-Fi or Ethernet driver. If your network driver is outdated or corrupted, packet capture tools may not work properly.
How to fix it:
Update your network adapter driver from Device Manager. You can also visit your laptop or motherboard manufacturer’s website and download the latest network driver. After updating the driver, restart your computer and try SelfishNet again.
Step-by-Step Fix for SelfishNet Not Detecting Devices
Follow these steps in order:
- Restart your computer and router.
- Uninstall old WinPcap or Npcap versions.
- Install the latest Npcap with WinPcap API-compatible mode enabled.
- Run SelfishNet as administrator.
- Select the correct Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter.
- Disable VPN, proxy, and virtual network adapters.
- Allow SelfishNet through firewall and antivirus.
- Make sure all devices are on the same network.
- Disable AP Isolation or Guest Network Isolation in router settings.
- Try compatibility mode if you are using Windows 10 or Windows 11.
After applying these fixes, click the scan or refresh button in SelfishNet. In most cases, the connected devices should start appearing.
Best Fix for Windows 10 and Windows 11 Users
If you are using Windows 10 or Windows 11, the best solution is usually to install Npcap instead of relying on old WinPcap. During installation, always enable WinPcap API-compatible mode because SelfishNet may need that compatibility layer to work properly.
After installing Npcap, restart your PC and run SelfishNet as administrator. Then select your active network adapter and scan again.
Is SelfishNet Safe to Use?
SelfishNet is a network management tool, but it should only be used on networks you own or have permission to manage. Using it on public, office, school, or someone else’s network without permission may violate rules or laws.
Also, because SelfishNet is often shared through unofficial websites, you should be careful when downloading it. Always scan the file with antivirus software before running it.
Conclusion
SelfishNet not detecting devices is usually caused by missing packet capture drivers, wrong adapter selection, firewall blocking, VPN interference, or router isolation settings. The quickest fix is to install Npcap with WinPcap compatibility mode, run SelfishNet as administrator, and choose the correct active network adapter.
If the device list is still empty, check your firewall, disable VPNs, make sure all devices are connected to the same router, and turn off AP Isolation in your router settings. Once these settings are correct, SelfishNet should be able to detect devices on your local network properly.