How To Check The Browsing History Of Other Computer In Network?

When we are browsing some websites and suddenly being redirected to another website, it is really annoying. Many times, we also don’t trust on any website as some unwanted site redirects us to unknown malware sites. So to find about the redirect issues and malicious domains, we need to know how to view the browsing history of other computer in our network?

Sometimes you need to check the browsing history of other computers or devices connected to your network for security purposes. Parents also need this to supervise their children’s activities on the internet. There are some methods that you can follow to check this without physically accessing the other computer. Below I have discussed these methods in detail.

Using OpenDNS in Windows

OpenDNS gives you DNS addresses that you can input into your Wi-Fi settings. Then you can use the OpenDNS dashboard to check the browsing history of any computer connected to your Wi-Fi. To activate OpenDNS:

1. Go to this link and sign up for a free account.
2. Activate the account by confirming through your email address.
3. Now log into OpenDNS, and there will be two DNS addresses.
4. Note down the addresses in “Notepad” for later purposes.
5. Open the “Dashboard.”
6. Click on “Add a network” or go to “Settings.”
7. Then enter your IP address which is found on the top of the OpenDNS webpage.
8. Click the “ADD THIS NETWORK” button.
9. When asked, give a name to the network.
   

If you have a dynamic IP, it is better to download the “Client-Side Software” and log in there. To set DNS address on the router:

1. Open your router’s admin panel on any browser. The usual address is “192.168.0.0”, “192.168.0.1”, or “192.168.0.2”.
2. Then go to “Network” settings. Some routers have this on the “Advanced” settings.
3. Now open the “WAN” settings.
4. Choose “Set DNS Manually” and enter the DNS address you saved on the “Notepad.”
5. Click “Save” or “Save & Apply” and exit the router admin panel.
   

Now you have to wait 24 hours to let OpenDNS apply all the settings. After that, check the history by doing the following:

1. Go to the OpenDNS dashboard page and click on “Stats.”
2. Alternatively, you can click on “Settings” and then choose the network that you have set.
3. Then click on “Stats and Logs” from the left panel.
4. This will show you all the browsing history of all the devices connected to your network.
   

Using WireShark in Windows

This is a tool that captures packets of data downloaded or uploaded by a device. WireShark shows the data of the device on your network in real-time. To use this:

1. Click here to download Wireshark.
2. Install it in your desired folder.
3. Make sure to check the “install Npcap” box when asked.
4. Another option for installing “USBpcap” will appear. Don’t check that box as it is not needed.
5. During the installation process, when Npcap installation opens, “Agree” and install Npcap.
   
6. After this, Wireshark installation will automatically continue.
7. When completed, choose “Reboot now” and then click “Finish.”
8. After your computer restarts, launch Wireshark.
9. From the list of interfaces, double click on any of the connections (i.e. Wi-Fi).
10. It will show all the activity details in real-time.
    

The user interface of Wireshark may seem a little complicated, and the data may not be understandable. That is why I recommend using OpenDNS.

Summary: Check the Browsing History of Other Computer in Network

• Open the command prompt (use windows R to open the run box).
• Type in CMD, then press enter.
• Type in netstat -ano | find "ESTABLISHED" and press enter.
• This will display all computers that are connected to your computer on the network.
• Find the IP Address of the computer you want to monitor (and remember it).
• Enter that IP address into your browser.
• It should look like this ipaddress/history/ (ie 192.168.1.1/history/)
• Now you can view the browsing history of that computer on your network!!