C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL\Data grows by 10GB/week. Fix: 2020.2.6 has verbose NetFlow logging. Turn down "Raw Detail" retention to 3 days (Settings > NetFlow Storage).
Always install the Orion database on a separate drive or server from the main application to ensure maximum performance.
That was when he saw the email. His maintenance contract was active, which meant he had access to the latest version: .
Windows 11 or Windows 10 (Pro or Enterprise). Database: Microsoft SQL Server 2025, 2022, 2019, or 2017.
No. You can install without a key for the first 30 days. After that, the web console will reject logins unless you provide a valid license file or remove the trial. solarwinds npm 202026 system requirements free
If you plan to deploy on or physical hardware .
Below is the definitive breakdown of the system requirements, environmental dependencies, and trial access rules for the deployment architecture. Hardware Requirements by Deployment Tier
If you only need basic functionality, SolarWinds offers several standalone free tools that complement NPM, such as:
Comprehensive Guide to SolarWinds NPM 2026.1 System Requirements & Free Trial Always install the Orion database on a separate
SolarWinds NPM System Requirements: Deploying Your Network Performance Monitor
| OS | Edition | Compatibility | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Standard / Datacenter (Desktop Experience) | ✅ Fully supported | | Windows Server 2016 | Standard / Datacenter (Desktop Experience) | ✅ Fully supported | | Windows Server 2012 R2 | Standard | ⚠️ Legacy, but works | | Windows 10 Pro/Enterprise (v1809+) | 64-bit | ✅ Supported only for evaluation/trial (max 10 nodes for license reasons) |
Before investing time in setting up NPM version 2020.2.6, it is critical to understand its lifecycle status. As a legacy version, its end-of-life cycle has already been completed.
Based on community-tested guides, the installation process is straightforward but requires caution. Here is a practical summary: Windows 11 or Windows 10 (Pro or Enterprise)
End of Support Warning: Windows Server 2016 support officially concludes. It is incompatible with modern SQL database configurations. Essential Software Requirements
: This is a legacy version that is no longer supported. According to the official release history, the End of Life (EoL) for NPM 2020.2.6 was effective as of May 18, 2024 . This means that SolarWinds no longer provides technical support, software patches, or security updates for this version. Using such a version in a production environment is generally not advisable.
The management console supports the two latest versions of Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Mozilla Firefox.