How to Enable SNMP on Windows 10

Q: What are Traps in SNMP settings, and why should I configure them?

Traps are a mechanism that sends a notification to the management software when an event happens. For example, you get an instant alert when the CPU load goes over 90% or a service stops. Switch to the Traps tab in the Properties window. Type the community name you created in the Community name part and add it with Add to List. Then specify the target IP address (the IP of the management server) below. If you do not make these settings, you cannot get event notifications. So your chance of instant action drops.

You enable the SNMP service in Windows in a few steps. The steps are the same for Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10.

How to Enable SNMP on Windows 10

How to Install SNMP Service on Windows 10 Operating System

SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) manages network devices. You can control every device with a network card. A computer can host a network device. With this protocol, you can monitor processor usage and other data.

After you install the service, configure its security settings. Then configure Traps. Check the service in the Services window.

How to Activate SNMP

To set it up, follow the steps below. After enabling this service, if you want to turn it off, follow the same process in reverse.

SNMP alone cannot control your network. You also need Automatic IP sharing through DHCP. This keeps your device IP names in order. It fully removes mess in growing networks.

Step 1

Right-click the Win 10 Start menu. Then click Programs and Features.

Programs and Features

Step 2

In the Programs and Features window, click Turn Windows features on or off as shown below.

Turn Windows Features on or off

Step 3

Open the Windows Features window. Then scroll down to see the following options.

Windows Features

Step 4

Check the Simple Network Management Protocol.

Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP)

Step 5

Once you have selected this protocol, click OK to continue with the installation.

Installing SNMP

Step 6

Windows searches for the required files.

Searching for required files

Step 7

Windows applies the changes.

Applying Changes

Step 8

After you complete SNMP setup on Windows 10, go to the next step. Then check the service.

Windows completed the requested changes

Step 9

Press Windows + R to open the Run window, type services.msc, and click OK.

services.msc

Step 10

In the Services window, you can check that this service is running smoothly.

SNMP Service

How to Configure SNMP Security

After installation, we configure its security settings. Only devices with the correct Community information can communicate with this service. This ensures network security.

Step 1

In the Services window, right-click the SNMP Service. Then click Properties.

Starting the Service

Step 2

The Service Properties window opens. From this window, click the Security tab.

SNMP Service Properties

Step 3

As you can see in the image below, there are Community settings for this protocol. Click the Add button to add Community.

Accepted Community

Step 4

In Community rights, select READ ONLY. In Community Name, type SNMP. Then click Add to complete the operation.

SNMP Service Configuration

Step 5

You can also configure Traps in the security settings. In the Properties window, click the Traps tab.

Traps Configuration

Step 6

In Traps settings, type SNMP in Community Name. Then click Add to List.

Community Name

Step 7

Check the drop-down list. Then confirm that the name appears in trap settings.

Check Community Name

Step 8

After you configure the security settings, you can remotely control this PC. You can also review its resources.

Close the Services

Video

To add this protocol, you can watch the video below and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Watch on YouTube

Frequently Asked Questions About SNMP

What is SNMP and why should I use it on Windows 10?

SNMP is a protocol that lets you monitor your network devices from one central point. You can remotely see data like CPU usage, memory status, and network traffic.

If you are a network admin, this protocol saves the day. It also helps you control multiple devices at home.

Enable SNMP to connect your computer to management software. You also get instant alerts. This way, you actively track your system’s performance.

How can I enable the SNMP service on Windows 10?

The process is very easy; let me explain step by step. Right-click the Start menu and go to “Programs and Features”. Click the “Turn Windows features on or off” option on the left side.

In the list that opens, check the “Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP)” box. Press OK; Windows will install the needed files.

When the SNMP enabling process finishes, the service starts automatically. To check, type services.msc and see that the SNMP Service is running in the list.

How can I configure the security settings after enabling SNMP?

Security is critical here, because SNMP carries data over the network. In Services.msc, right-click SNMP Service and go to Properties.

In the Security tab, click the “Accepted community names” section. Add a new community with Add.

I usually suggest you use a custom name instead of simple ones like “public”.

Set the permission level to READ ONLY. This way, outside users can only monitor the system. They cannot make changes. Do not skip this step after enabling. Otherwise, your network stays at risk.

What are Traps in SNMP settings, and why should I configure them?

Traps send notifications to management software when an event happens. For example, the CPU load may exceed 90%. Or a service may stop. Then you get an instant alert.

Switch to the Traps tab in the Properties window. Type your community name in the Community name field. Then click Add to List.

Then specify the target IP address (the IP of the management server) below. If you do not make these settings, you cannot get event notifications. So your chance of instant action drops.

What should I do if I want to turn off the SNMP service?

Very simple: you can go back the same way. Follow the path Programs and Features > Turn Windows features on or off. Uncheck SNMP in the list and press OK. Windows will remove the component and the service will be fully disabled.

Alternatively, open services.msc. Stop the SNMP Service. Set its startup type to Disabled. This reverses the activation process. You return the system to its old state.

Do not forget, after you remove it, your monitoring software cannot see this computer.

I get a “Windows cannot find files” error during SNMP installation. What should I do?

This usually happens because of Windows Update or missing source files. First, connect your computer to the internet and try again. Windows searches for the needed files online.

If it still fails, use installation media for the same Windows version. Point to the needed files manually. Alternatively, repair system integrity with DISM commands.

Make sure you have admin permissions for the SNMP setup. In the worst case, use third-party SNMP tools. But I suggest fixing the Windows component first.

Conclusion

In this article, we discuss how to enable and configure SNMP in the Windows 10 system.

Also set your DNS addresses correctly. This is as important as the trap target. If you use a hostname instead of an IP address, name lookup should work. It will cause no trouble.