To download and run Ettercap on Windows 10 (64-bit), you can either use an unofficial binary or compile the latest version from source. While Ettercap is primarily a Linux tool, Windows support is available through specific builds 1. Download Options Official Source Code: The latest release, v0.8.4.1 (April 2026) , is available as source code on the Official Ettercap Downloads
page. This requires manual compilation on Windows using tools like MingW or CMake. Unofficial Windows Binaries: For an easier setup, you can find older pre-compiled installers (like version 0.7.3 or 0.7.4) on platforms like SourceForge
. Note that these are legacy versions and may lack modern features. 2. Mandatory Dependencies
Before installing, you must have the following libraries installed on your Windows system to ensure Ettercap functions correctly: WinPcap or Npcap: Essential for packet sniffing and injection. Required for handling encrypted protocols. GTK+ (optional):
Necessary if you want to use the graphical user interface (GUI). 3. Recommended Installation Method download ettercap for windows 10 64 bit
For the best experience on Windows 10, it is often recommended to run Ettercap within a virtualized environment or a Linux subsystem: Kali Linux VM: Ettercap comes pre-installed and fully optimized in Kali Linux Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL): You can install Ettercap in WSL using sudo apt install ettercap-graphical
, though it may require additional configuration to access physical network interfaces. Kali Linux 4. Running the Tool
Once installed, you can launch Ettercap through the command line or the GUI: Launch using the command ettercap -G Text Mode: ettercap -T for a lightweight console interface. Result Summary You can download the Ettercap v0.8.4.1 source code from the official website or use legacy .exe installers from SourceForge, though running it via a Kali Linux virtual machine is the most stable method for Windows 10 users. using MingW on Windows? Downloads « Ettercap
Because the Windows port of Ettercap is sometimes unstable (especially the GUI features), many professionals choose to run the Linux version on Windows using the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). To download and run Ettercap on Windows 10
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install ettercap-graphical
This method provides the most up-to-date and stable version of Ettercap directly from the Linux repositories while running inside Windows 10.
Once installed, you will likely want to run Ettercap in "Curses" mode (GUI text interface) or the graphical GTK interface.
C:\Program Files (x86)\Ettercap).ettercap.exe or the shortcut created on your desktop.Inside the Ubuntu terminal:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install ettercap-graphical -y
This installs the fully functional 64-bit Linux version of Ettercap (both text and GTK GUI). Method 3: The "Professional" Approach (WSL) Because the
Only test on your own machine or lab network.
ettercap -T -M arp:remote /target_ip// /gateway_ip//
-T = text mode-M arp:remote = ARP poisoningtarget_ip and gateway_ip with test IPs.For GUI mode (legacy): Run ettercap -G – but note the Windows GUI is outdated; CLI is preferred.
You can now run Ettercap inside the WSL terminal:
sudo ettercap -T -M arp:remote /target1// /target2//sudo ettercap -GNetwork adapter note: WSL2 uses a virtual NIC. To capture real network traffic, you must run Ettercap with sudo and ensure your Windows firewall allows WSL.
For advanced packet capture from the physical interface, use sudo ettercap --iface eth0 (inside WSL, eth0 is the virtual interface bridged to Windows’ real adapter).