
Nighthawk (formerly Up) for PC
Reviewed by Apps Playground Editorial Team · Updated
What's New
| Version | 2.50.0.5135 |
| Size | 114.8 MB |
| What's New | This latest release fixes various issues and adds new enhancements. Also, make sure you update your router to the latest firmware version using the app in order to explore all the great features it has to offer. Please continue to reach out to us at [email protected] if you’re having any issues. |

Nighthawk (formerly Up) works best as a desktop application, where you can monitor and manage your entire home network without switching back to your phone. The Nighthawk app simplifies WiFi setup and gives you control over connected devices, guest networks, internet speeds, and parental features from a single dashboard. Running it on your computer which lets you keep the app open while working, troubleshooting network issues, or checking device activity without the interruption of mobile notifications. If you're adjusting router settings or tracking bandwidth usage, having Nighthawk (formerly Up) on PC keeps network management at your fingertips during your daily workflow.
Nighthawk (formerly Up) for Windows PC centralizes WiFi management in one accessible place. The app handles router setup, device monitoring, and network adjustments: all tasks that benefit from a larger workspace and persistent access. A desktop installation lets you reference your network dashboard while keeping other work windows open, making it simple to troubleshoot connectivity issues or check device activity without reaching for your phone.
Core Network Controls on Your Desktop
The Nighthawk app dashboard provides the essential tools for home WiFi administration. You can test broadband speeds directly within the app to verify your service provider's performance, monitor traffic usage across days, weeks, and months to track household consumption, set up a guest network to isolate visitors from your primary network, and pause internet access on individual devices when needed. Remote management which lets you access these controls from your computer even when away from home, as long as you have internet connectivity. Running Nighthawk (formerly Up) on PC gives you letting users sit down at your desk and make network adjustments without fumbling with a small screen or losing your place in other tasks.
Setup and Installation Made Straightforward
Initial router configuration happens in just a few steps through the app interface. The Nighthawk app guides you through connecting your WiFi extender or main router quickly, and users report managing multiple 2.4GHz devices without requiring separate network names. Once setup completes, the app remains your command center: you can return to it anytime to reconfigure settings, add new devices, or monitor network health. On a computer, you'll keep a single login session active throughout your work day, eliminating the need to sign in repeatedly or juggle separate accounts across devices.
Parental Controls and Family Network Management
The app includes Circle with Disney for content and time-online management, allowing you to set restrictions and monitor usage from one central location. This feature pairs naturally with desktop use: you can review activity logs, adjust settings, and check reports while seated at your computer rather than managing family network rules piecemeal from a phone. The combination of traffic monitoring and device pause functions gives you granular control over who accesses what and when, making it straightforward to enforce household internet policies without constant phone checking.
Keeping Your Network Secure and Organized
Guest network setup protects your primary WiFi by offering visitors a separate connection that keeps your main network private. Supervising connected devices (including security cameras and smart home equipment) becomes easier when you can view your full device roster on a bigger display. Many users find the app most useful when left open on a computer, where you can reference device lists and network status at a glance while attending to other computer work. Nighthawk (formerly Up) for computer use removes the friction of bouncing between applications to check network health or make quick adjustments.
How to Download and Install Nighthawk (formerly Up) for PC or MAC:
Select an Android emulator:  There are many free and paid Android emulators available for PC and MAC, few of the popular ones are Bluestacks, Andy OS, Nox, MeMu and there are more you can find from Google.
Compatibility:  Before downloading them take a look at the minimum system requirements to install the emulator on your PC.
For example,  BlueStacks requires OS: Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista SP2, Windows XP SP3 (32-bit only), Mac OS Sierra(10.12), High Sierra (10.13) and Mojave(10.14), 2-4GB of RAM, 4GB of disk space for storing Android apps/games, updated graphics drivers.
Finally, download and install the emulator which will work well with your PC's hardware/software.
- Open the emulator software from the start menu or desktop shortcut in your PC.
- Associate or set up your Google account with the emulator.
- You can either install the app from Google PlayStore inside the emulator or download Nighthawk (formerly Up) APK file and open the APK file with the emulator or drag the file into the emulator window to install Nighthawk (formerly Up) for PC.
You can follow above instructions to install Nighthawk (formerly Up) for PC with any of the Android emulators available.
Download Nighthawk (formerly Up)

Nighthawk (formerly Up) for PC
FAQ
Can I run Nighthawk (formerly Up) on my Windows computer?
Yes. Nighthawk (formerly Up) is available as a desktop application, allowing you to manage your router and network from your PC. This gives you a persistent dashboard and larger workspace compared to mobile use.
What can I control from the Nighthawk app on desktop?
You can set up your router, test internet speeds, monitor bandwidth usage, manage connected devices, create a guest network, pause internet on specific devices, and adjust parental controls: all from one central interface on your computer.
Do I need to stay signed in to the Nighthawk app?
The app requires a linked account to access most features, including remote management. Once signed in on your PC, it runs the session active throughout your work day without frequent re-authentication.
Is Nighthawk (formerly Up) free to download and use?
The basic Nighthawk app is free and includes setup, speed testing, device management, and guest networking. Some advanced features like enhanced parental controls may require a separate subscription service.
Will Nighthawk (formerly Up) work with older Nighthawk routers?
Nighthawk (formerly Up) is built to work with current Nighthawk and NETGEAR routers. Compatibility depends on your router model; check NETGEAR's support site for specifics about your device.
What should I do if the app stops responding or gets stuck?
If menus freeze or the app doesn't load properly, try signing out and back in, restarting the app, or resetting your router to factory settings and reconfiguring. If problems persist, consult NETGEAR support for your router model.
The editorial team installs and tests each app before writing up the guide, and keeps the version history current. The site has never charged developers for coverage.
