Advanced IP Scanner: a fast inventory of everything on the network
A free Windows network scanner for finding devices, addresses, and shares, and why you should only ever download it from one place.
You’ve inherited a network with no documentation, or a printer changed addresses overnight, or you need a quick list of what’s plugged in before an audit. Advanced IP Scanner gets you that list in a minute or two.
Quick links
| Tool | What it’s for | Business use | Official download |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced IP Scanner | Finding devices on a network | Free | advanced-ip-scanner.com |
Download it only from the official site above. Security researchers documented a campaign that registered dozens of lookalike domains for Advanced IP Scanner and other IT scanning tools, then pushed them through search ads to deliver malware. If a search result looks like an ad, skip it and type the address yourself.
What it does
Advanced IP Scanner scans a range of addresses and lists every device that answers, with its name, IP address, MAC address, and manufacturer where it can tell. It can also show shared folders on the devices it finds and, where you have the rights, remotely shut computers down. It’s been published by Famatech since 2002 and ties in with Famatech’s Radmin remote-support product.
When to reach for it
- Building a first inventory of an undocumented network
- Finding a device that moved to a new address
- Spotting something on the network that shouldn’t be there
- A quick before-and-after check around a firewall or switch change
Things to keep in mind
- Scan only what you’re responsible for. Scanning a network you don’t manage can look like an attack. On a client’s network, tell them before you scan.
- Expect security tools to notice. Network scanning is also something intruders do. Your EDR or firewall may flag the activity, which is a good sign that it’s watching. Let whoever monitors those alerts know when you’re scanning.
- It’s a snapshot. It shows what answered at that moment. A device that’s off or blocking responses won’t appear, so don’t treat one scan as a complete inventory.
Licensing fine print
Advanced IP Scanner is free from Famatech.
Official download: advanced-ip-scanner.com
Related tools
- WizTree: finding what’s filling a disk
- Wireshark: seeing what’s actually on the wire
- Fab’s AutoBackup: moving users to a new PC
Sources
- About Advanced IP Scanner (Famatech): developer, release history since 2002, and Radmin integration
- Advanced IP Scanner (Famatech): free download, shared-folder access, and remote shutdown
- Malicious Google Ads pushing fake IP scanner software (The Hacker News, reporting Zscaler research): the lookalike-domain campaign impersonating Advanced IP Scanner and other tools
From Small Town Sysadmin
Get new guides by email
Plain-English tech tips, scam and security alerts, and fixes for small offices, whether you're the office manager or the IT pro. No spam, and you can unsubscribe anytime.