Npcap OEM is a legitimate Windows packet-capture and packet-injection component developed by the Nmap Project. It gives applications low-level access to network traffic for scanning, monitoring, diagnostics and analysis. “All Other Applications” is generally an inventory or licensing-category label, not a separate program you launch. The entry alone does not identify which application installed it, so check the publisher, install date and dependent software before removing it.
What Npcap does
Npcap is a Windows library and driver that lets software capture packets, enumerate network interfaces and transmit or inject raw packets. Ordinary Windows programs use standard network sockets; specialist tools need this lower-level access for tasks such as:
- Packet capture and protocol analysis
- Network discovery and security scanning
- Monitoring and troubleshooting
- Security investigations and vulnerability assessment
- Raw-packet transmission required by particular networking tools
Npcap is separate from Nmap. Nmap is the network-discovery and security-scanning application; on Windows, its packet-capture functions use Npcap. The Nmap installation documentation describes Npcap as a required component for those Windows operations: nmap.org/book/inst-windows.html.
Why it is installed
Common legitimate sources include Nmap, Wireshark, vulnerability scanners, endpoint-security products, network-monitoring software and commercial diagnostics tools. A vendor may bundle Npcap OEM inside its own installer, so the Npcap entry by itself cannot reveal the parent application.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstall#1 Best Overall
- 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡-𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐔𝐒𝐁 𝐄𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐭 𝐀𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 - UE306 is a USB 3.0 Type-A to RJ45 Ethernet adapter that adds a reliable wired network port to your laptop, tablet, or Ultrabook. It delivers fast and stable 10/100/1000 Mbps wired connections to your computer or tablet via a router or network switch, making it ideal for file transfers, HD video streaming, online gaming, and video conferencing.
- 𝐔𝐒𝐁 𝟑.𝟎 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫, 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐬- Powered via USB 3.0, this adapter provides high-speed Gigabit Ethernet without the need for external power(10/100/1000Mbps). Backward compatible with USB 2.0/1.1, it ensures reliable performance across a wide range of devices.
- 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐍𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐨 𝐒𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡- Easily connect your Nintendo Switch to a wired network for faster downloads and a more stable online gaming experience compared to Wi-Fi.
- 𝐏𝐥𝐮𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲- No driver required for Nintendo Switch, Windows 11/10/8.1/8, and Linux. Simply connect and enjoy instant wired internet access without complicated setup.
- 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲- Supports Nintendo Switch, PCs, laptops, Ultrabooks, tablets, and other USB-powered web devices; works with network equipment including modems, routers, and switches.
How to find the parent application
- Open Windows Settings → Apps → Installed apps and record Npcap’s publisher, version and installation date.
- Look for Nmap, Wireshark, scanners or monitoring tools installed on or near that date.
- Check the Npcap installation directory and the uninstall entry’s support information.
- In a managed environment, review software-deployment and endpoint-inventory logs.
- Use your security product to inspect the installer and driver signatures and reputation.
What “All Other Applications” means
Npcap OEM is a real commercial edition intended for vendors that redistribute Npcap with their own products. The phrase “All Other Applications” is not presented by the Nmap Project as a separate consumer utility. It most likely comes from a software-inventory, licensing or catalog field; wording can differ between Windows, endpoint-management systems and third-party uninstallers. Treat the underlying component as Npcap OEM, and verify the exact display name and publisher in your own inventory.
Is Npcap OEM safe?
The Nmap Project’s Npcap is legitimate software, but legitimacy of the project does not prove that every file on every computer is authentic. Npcap’s presence is not evidence of malware, and a low-level network driver can be used by both legitimate diagnostic software and unwanted tools.
Checks for an unexpected installation
- Expected publisher information should identify Nmap Software LLC or the known vendor that bundled it.
- Verify the digital signature on the installer and installed driver files.
- Compare the installed version with the official release information at github.com/nmap/npcap.
- Investigate an installation date that does not match any approved software deployment.
- Scan the files with your organization’s security tooling and preserve logs if the installation is unauthorized.
The repository listed Npcap 1.88 as its latest release, dated May 6, 2026, when checked on August 18, 2026. Release numbers change, so use the live repository rather than treating that number as permanent.
Rank #2
- Connects a USB 3.0 device (computer/laptop) to a router, modem, or network switch to deliver Gigabit Ethernet to your network connection. Does not support Smart TV or gaming consoles (e.g.Nintendo Switch).
- Supported features include Wake-on-LAN function, Green Ethernet & IEEE 802.3az-2010 (Energy Efficient Ethernet)
- Supports IPv4/IPv6 pack Checksum Offload Engine (COE) to reduce Cental Processing Unit (CPU) loading
- Compatible with Windows 8.1 or higher, Mac OS
Npcap, Npcap OEM, Nmap and Nmap OEM
| Name | What it is | Typical user |
|---|---|---|
| Npcap | Windows packet-capture and transmission library/driver | End users and applications that need packet access |
| Npcap OEM | Commercially licensed edition with redistribution and deployment rights | Software vendors and enterprise deployments |
| Nmap | Network-discovery and security-scanning application | Network and security professionals |
| Nmap OEM | Commercial Nmap redistribution edition; Windows packages include Npcap OEM for Nmap-related use | Vendors embedding Nmap |
Nmap and Npcap also have separate licenses, as explained in Nmap’s legal notice: nmap.org/book/man-legal.html.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteCan you uninstall Npcap OEM?
Usually, yes. Use the supported Windows removal process rather than deleting driver files manually.
- Close Nmap, Wireshark, scanners and monitoring tools.
- Open Settings → Apps → Installed apps.
- Search for Npcap or Npcap OEM, select the entry and choose Uninstall.
- Restart Windows if prompted.
- Test any network-analysis or security software that may depend on it.
On older Windows versions, use Control Panel → Programs and Features. If Npcap was bundled with another product, that product’s repair or uninstall routine may be the appropriate route. If removal fails, reboot and retry; avoid manually deleting registry entries or driver files unless the vendor or an experienced administrator directs you.
Rank #3
- [Expansion Ports] The USB C to Ethernet Adapter expands the device to three USB 3.0 ports and one Gigabit Ethernet port. Provides you more peripheral ports while maintaining a stable network connection, plug and play, no driver required.
- [Gigabit Network Port] ALL-LUCKY USB Ethernet Adapter transmission rate up to 1000Mbps, also compatible with 10/100Mbps bandwidth. It allows you to enjoy a smooth and stable network connection and avoid too much lag. (Note: To reach 1Gbps, please use CAT6 or above Ethernet cable connection)
- [Convertible Connector]This usb hub with ethernet not only has USB-A connector, but also can be converted to USB-C connector, so that you can easily convert the connector according to the device port, improve the convenience of use.
- [High-Speed Data Transfer] The usb to ethernet adapter adopts USB 3.0 transmission technology, supports up to 5Gbps transmission rate, and is compatible with USB 2.0(480Gbps),USB 1.0(12Mbps), easily transfer video, files and other data for you in seconds. (Note: Maximum output current is 900mA, does not support charging devices.)
- [Widely Compatible]The usb c ethernet adapter for iMac, MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, XPS and many other devices. Compatible with Windows 11/10/8.1/8, Mac OS, iPad OS, Chrome OS.（Note: Driver is required on Win 7） It can be used in office, school, library and other occasions, compact and portable, easy to carry around.
What stops working after removal?
Uninstalling Npcap normally does not disable web browsing, email or ordinary Windows networking. It can, however, affect software that specifically uses packet capture or raw-packet transmission:
- Nmap may lose Windows functions that require packet operations.
- Wireshark or similar analyzers may show no capture interfaces, depending on their setup.
- Scanners, monitoring agents and enterprise diagnostic tools may fail to start capture or report that no compatible driver is installed.
Reinstalling Npcap through the parent application’s official installer can restore that functionality later.
Recommended Free Tools
When to keep it and when removal is reasonable
Keep it when
- You use Nmap, Wireshark or another packet-analysis tool.
- A scanner, monitoring agent, security product or diagnostic utility lists Npcap as a prerequisite.
- Your organization performs scheduled discovery, incident response or network troubleshooting.
Removal is reasonable when
- You do not use network-analysis or scanning software.
- The parent application was removed but Npcap remained behind.
- IT has confirmed that no business workflow depends on it.
- The copy fails signature or provenance checks and has been investigated as unauthorized.
“Unneeded” and “malicious” are different conclusions: an unused, authentic driver can be removed without being dangerous.
Rank #4
- The Anker Advantage: Join the 65 million+ powered by our leading technology.
- Instant Internet: Connect to the internet instantly from virtually any USB-C 3.0 device, and enjoy stable connection speeds of up to 1 Gbps.
- Lightweight and Compact: The space-saving and portable design measures just over half an inch thick and weighs about the same as a AA battery.
- Premium Build: Features a sleek aluminum exterior and braided-nylon cable to complement the design of high-end devices.
- What You Get: PowerExpand USB-C to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter, welcome guide, 18-month worry-free warranty, and friendly customer service.
Free Npcap versus Npcap OEM licensing
The Npcap license allows end users to install and use the free edition on up to five systems, including commercial use under its stated terms; see the license summary in the official repository. Npcap OEM is for vendors that need to redistribute Npcap with their own application, install it silently, receive commercial support and obtain broader deployment rights. A home user normally does not need to buy an OEM license merely to use Nmap or Wireshark.
An Nmap OEM license may include permission to redistribute Npcap OEM when Npcap is used only by Nmap. It does not automatically authorize unrelated software to call and redistribute Npcap directly. See Nmap OEM information and the license contract.
Commercial pricing context
The official Npcap OEM page listed a small/startup perpetual redistribution license at US$59,980, with optional annual maintenance of US$14,980, checked August 18, 2026. Confirm current terms at npcap.com/oem/redist; these figures are vendor licensing, not a consumer requirement.
Best Value
![BENFEI USB 3.0 to Ethernet Adapter, USB C to RJ45 Gigabit LAN (1000Mbps) Network Adapter, Compatible with MacBook/Pro/Air, Surface Pro, Windows 11/10/8/7, Mac OS [Aluminium Shell&Nylon Cable]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41fk9DHmdwL._SL160_.jpg)
- COMPACT DESIGN - The compact-designed portable BENFEI USB A/C to Ethernet adapter connects your computer or tablet to a router,modem or network switch for network connection. It adds a standard RJ45 port to your Ultrabook, notebook or Macbook Air for file transferring, video conferencing, gaming, and HD video streaming.
- SUPERIOR STABILITY - Built-in advanced IC chip works as the bridge between RJ45 Ethernet cable and your USB A/C devices. The driver-free installation with native driver support in Chrome, Mac, and Windows OS; The USB A/C Ethernet adapter dongle supports important performance features including Wake-on-Lan (WoL), Full-Duplex (FDX) and Half-Duplex (HDX) Ethernet, Crossover Detection, Backpressure Routing, Auto-Correction (Auto MDIX).
- INCREDIBLE PERFORMANCE - Supports full 10/100/1000Mbps gigabit ethernet performance over USB A/C's 5Gbps bus, faster and more reliable than most wireless connections. Link and Activity LEDs. USB powered, no external power required. Backward compatible with USB 2.0/1.1.✅ To reach 1Gbps, make sure to use CAT6 & up Ethernet cables.
- BROAD COMPATIBILITY - The USB A/C-Ethernet adapter is compatible with Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP, Mac OSX 10.6/10.7/10.8/10.9/10.10/10.11/10.12, Linux kernel 3.x/2.6, Android and Chrome OS.Compatible with IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.3u and IEEE 802.3ab. Supports IEEE 802.3az (Energy Efficient Ethernet).❌Do Not Support Windows RT. (NOT compatible with Nintendo Switch.)
- 18 MONTH WARRANTY - Exclusive BENFEI Unconditional 18-month Warranty ensures long-time satisfaction of your purchase; Friendly and easy-to-reach customer service to solve your problems timely.
Administrator checklist for an unexpected copy
- Record the product name, version, publisher and installation source.
- Correlate the date with deployment logs and installed applications.
- Validate signatures and hashes according to organizational policy.
- Identify services, scheduled tasks and applications that reference Npcap.
- Remove it only after confirming that monitoring, scanning, EDR and troubleshooting workflows do not require it.
- Retain the installer and relevant logs if the deployment was unauthorized.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Npcap OEM a virus?
Npcap is legitimate software from the Nmap Project. Verify the specific installation’s publisher, digital signature, version and installation source before judging it.
Do I need Npcap if I do not use Nmap?
Not usually. Keep it if another analyzer, scanner, monitoring agent or security product depends on packet capture.
Does uninstalling Npcap remove Nmap?
No. It removes the packet-capture component; Nmap normally remains installed but Windows functions that require Npcap may fail.
Can companies redistribute Npcap for free?
The free edition has stated limits, including use on up to five systems. Vendors bundling or silently deploying Npcap generally need the appropriate OEM agreement.
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 →Is Npcap the same as WinPcap?
No. They are different Windows packet-capture projects. Use the capture driver supported by the application and its current installer.
The Bottom Line
Npcap OEM is normally a legitimate networking component, while “All Other Applications” is usually a catalog or licensing label rather than a separate app. Identify what installed it, verify the files, and remove it only after checking that no Nmap, Wireshark, scanner, monitoring or security workflow depends on packet capture.
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.
