Install Ubuntu’s prometheus-node-exporter package on the machine you want to monitor, then configure Prometheus to scrape that machine’s private IP address or private DNS name on port 9100. Allow inbound access to that port only from the Prometheus server or an appropriate private subnet, and verify both the /metrics endpoint and Prometheus target health.
What Node Exporter does—and what Ubuntu provides
Prometheus Node Exporter exposes hardware- and kernel-related metrics for a machine; it is an exporter, not the Prometheus server. Ubuntu’s Resolute package index lists prometheus-node-exporter for Ubuntu 26.04 LTS in Universe, version 1.10.2-1 in the listing checked on October 4, 2026. The package includes /usr/bin/prometheus-node-exporter, the defaults file /etc/default/prometheus-node-exporter, and the systemd unit /usr/lib/systemd/system/prometheus-node-exporter.service. See Ubuntu’s Resolute package page and package file list.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Package versions can change. Check the Ubuntu package page for the version available when you install.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Install and check the exporter on Ubuntu 26.04
-
Refresh the package index and install the Ubuntu package:
#1 Best Overall
sudo apt update
sudo apt install prometheus-node-exporter -
Check the service state:
systemctl status prometheus-node-exporterIf it is not active, inspect the service output with
journalctl -u prometheus-node-exporterbefore changing configuration. -
From the exporter machine, check the metrics endpoint:
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.curl http://localhost:9100/metricsA working endpoint returns Prometheus-formatted metric lines. Prometheus’s Node Exporter guide uses port 9100 and this
/metricspath.
Configure Prometheus to scrape the private address
Prometheus’s guide shows a local target, localhost:9100. That name refers to the Prometheus machine itself, so it will not reach a separate Ubuntu host. Replace it with the exporter host’s reachable private IP address or private DNS name. For example, use 10.0.0.25:9100 only if that address is actually assigned to the exporter and reachable from Prometheus.
Add a job like this to the Prometheus configuration:
scrape_configs:
- job_name: node
static_configs:
- targets: ['10.0.0.25:9100']Replace the sample target with the real address. The guide’s example global scrape interval is 15 seconds, but that is an example value, not a universal requirement. If you need it, set it under global in the configuration:
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
global:
scrape_interval: 15sPrometheus’s configuration reference documents scrape jobs, targets, HTTP client settings, TLS, and authentication. After editing the configuration, apply it using the reload or restart procedure configured for your Prometheus deployment.
Limit network access to the exporter
Changing the target to a private address does not by itself make the endpoint reachable or secure. The Prometheus server must have a route to the exporter, the host and network firewalls must allow the connection, and the exporter must listen on an address reachable from that server. The correct address and firewall rule depend on your network; do not copy an example IP or open port 9100 to every source without checking your topology.
Rank #4
-
Permit inbound TCP access to the exporter’s port 9100 only from the Prometheus server or the smallest appropriate monitoring subnet.
-
Confirm that the configured target resolves to the exporter’s private address from the Prometheus host.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy. -
If the direct endpoint check fails, review routing, firewall policy, name resolution, and the exporter’s listening address.
Choose transport protection for your network
A private network limits who can reach an endpoint, but plain HTTP does not encrypt traffic. Prometheus documents TLS support for Prometheus and most exporters. Its security model also warns that basic authentication without TLS sends usernames and passwords in cleartext over the network. If authentication is used, protect it with TLS as appropriate to your threat model. Prometheus’s security model and configuration reference describe the relevant options. Do not use insecure_skip_verify as a routine workaround for certificate errors.
For a suitably isolated and trusted network without credentials, an operator may choose to use plain HTTP; that choice does not provide encryption. Decide based on who can access the network and what information or credentials cross it.
Verify the scrape end to end
-
From the Prometheus server, request the exporter endpoint using the configured private address:
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.curl http://10.0.0.25:9100/metricsUse your actual target and scheme. A successful request confirms basic endpoint reachability from that host, but not that Prometheus has a valid scrape configuration.
-
Check Prometheus’s targets page or target status. The node job should show the configured address and a successful scrape. If it is unhealthy, inspect the reported error, then check the target spelling, routing, firewall access, exporter service, and any TLS or authentication settings.
Choose how to maintain the target list
For a small, stable set of machines, a static target in scrape_configs is straightforward. If the inventory changes more often or is managed separately, Prometheus also supports file-based service discovery, where target definitions are maintained in a file. The choice is about how your team manages membership; the exporter still needs network reachability from Prometheus.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
