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hcxtools converts packets in Wi-Fi capture files into hash files for use with Hashcat or John the Ripper; it is not the tool that cracks passwords. For an authorized analysis of a network you own or have permission to assess, the usual path is to capture traffic with hcxdumptool, convert it with hcxpcapngtool, optionally filter or prepare data with other hcxtools utilities, then use a separate recovery tool if appropriate. Keep the original capture: converting it to hashes loses information.
Where hcxtools fits in a Wi-Fi analysis workflow
The hcxtools project describes its purpose as converting packets from capture files into hash files for Hashcat or John the Ripper. Its utilities operate on capture or hash data; they are not a general-purpose packet analyzer, traffic decryptor, or password-cracking engine. The project frames their use around identifying weaknesses in your own Wi-Fi network, so handle only networks and files you are authorized to assess. hcxtools project documentation
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| Stage | Tool | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Capture | hcxdumptool | Captures packets; it does not perform conversion or cracking. hcxdumptool project documentation |
| Convert | hcxpcapngtool | Processes a capture and can write a hash file for a downstream tool. |
| Filter or prepare | hcxhashtool, hcxpsktool, hcxeiutool | Filter hash records or assist with candidate preparation, as appropriate to the task. hcxtools project documentation |
| Recover a password | Hashcat or John the Ripper (JtR) | Separate password-recovery tools that consume compatible hash data. |
Convert a capture to a Hashcat hash file
Kali’s reference documents pcapng, pcap, and cap as input forms for hcxpcapngtool. Its example writes a Hashcat mode 22000 hash file and an auxiliary ESSID list. Treat this as an illustration of documented syntax, not a universal capture procedure or a promise that any particular file will produce recoverable data. Kali hcxtools reference
hcxpcapngtool -o hash.22000 -E elist dump.pcapng- Use a capture file you are permitted to analyze. This example starts from an existing
dump.pcapng; it does not tell you how to capture traffic. - Before running the command, check whether
hash.22000orelistalready exists. Kali notes that generated output is appended to existing files, so rerunning a command can add to prior output rather than start a clean file. - Run hcxpcapngtool with the desired output options. Here,
-onames the hash output and-Enames the ESSID list. - Keep the original capture separately and inspect the generated files before passing the hash output to a compatible downstream tool.
The Kali example’s next step is hashcat -m 22000 hash.22000 wordlist. Mode 22000 is the mode shown for this Hashcat output in that reference; the example is not a guarantee of successful recovery or a complete setup guide. The upstream project also names John the Ripper as a downstream option, but the supplied documentation does not establish a comparable mode number or current performance comparison for it. Kali hcxtools reference hcxtools project documentation
#1 Best Overall
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- 𝐀𝐝𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞, 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢-𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐚: Rotate the multi-directional antenna to face your router to improve your experience and performance
What conversion keeps—and what it loses
A hash file is a derived representation, not a complete copy of a capture. Kali explicitly warns that dump-to-hash conversion is lossy. Preserve the original pcapng, pcap, or cap file if you may need to reprocess it, examine other packet details, or use another analysis tool later. Do not treat the hash output as a replacement archive for the capture. Kali hcxtools reference
What hcxtools does not do
- It does not crack passwords. The hcxtools documentation says it does not crack WPA PSK-related hashes; it directs users to Hashcat or JtR for PSK recovery.
- It does not crack WEP or WPS. These are outside the cracking functions described for hcxtools.
- It does not decrypt encrypted traffic. The project points to Wireshark or tshark for traffic decryption, rather than presenting hcxtools as a packet-decryption tool. hcxtools project documentation
These boundaries matter when choosing a next step: use hcxpcapngtool to convert, hash utilities to filter or prepare data, and a separate program for password recovery or traffic analysis.
Rank #2
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- 𝐋𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠-𝐅𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐖𝐢𝐅𝐢 𝟔 𝐀𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 -Experience faster speeds with less network congestion compared to previous generation Wi-Fi 5. AX1800 wireless speeds to meet all your gaming, downloading, and streaming needs
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- 𝐎𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝟏𝟏/𝟏𝟎 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 - The Archer TX20U Plus is only compatible with Windows 11 and 10 on desktops and laptops. Not compatible with Linux or Mac.** For best performance: keep firmware updated by checking the Tether App.
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Install and check the version for your Linux distribution
The upstream README says hcxtools is available through package managers on most distributions and documents building from source with make, with installation under /usr/bin or a chosen prefix. Package names, supported options, and versions can change, so check your distribution’s current package details and the upstream documentation before relying on a command. hcxtools project documentation
Kali’s reference, checked on October 7, 2026, displayed version 7.1.2 and the distribution-specific install command sudo apt install hcxtools. That is a Kali package detail, not a universal command or a guarantee that another distribution ships the same version. Kali hcxtools reference
Rank #3
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Checks before working with capture files
- Confirm that you have permission to analyze the network and the file.
- Keep the original capture intact before converting it, since conversion is lossy.
- Check for existing output files before rerunning a conversion, because output may be appended.
- Expect a technical Linux command-line workflow. The upstream project warns that hcxtools and hcxdumptool are not recommended for inexperienced users. hcxtools project documentation
Capture operations have additional constraints that do not apply simply because you are converting an existing file. The Debian trixie hcxdumptool manpage warns against using logical interfaces created by third-party tools, running the capture tool in virtual machines or emulators, and running competing channel-hopping tools. It also advises checking devices promptly if a password is captured from Wi-Fi traffic. Follow the capture tool’s documentation and applicable laws when acquiring traffic; do not mistake these capture-specific cautions for prerequisites to offline conversion. Debian trixie hcxdumptool manpage
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