Cisco Packet Tracer is free to download, but the process isn't as straightforward as clicking a button. You need a Cisco Networking Academy account, the right version for your OS, and about 1.4GB of disk space. Here's the complete guide — plus a browser-based option if you'd rather skip the install entirely.
Quick Download Info
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Latest version | 9.0.0 |
| Download size | ~870MB |
| Installed size | ~1.4GB |
| RAM required | 4GB minimum, 8GB recommended |
| Platforms | Windows 10/11 (64-bit), macOS 10.14+, Ubuntu 20.04+ (64-bit), Android, iOS |
| Cost | Free (requires Cisco Networking Academy account) |
| Download source | Cisco Networking Academy |
How to Download Cisco Packet Tracer
Step 1: Create a Cisco Networking Academy Account
Packet Tracer is free, but you need a Cisco Networking Academy (Netacad) account to download it:
- Go to netacad.com
- Click "Sign Up" and create a free account
- Enroll in the free "Introduction to Packet Tracer" course (this unlocks the download)
- Navigate to the course resources to find the download link
This is the only legitimate way to download Packet Tracer. Third-party download sites may offer outdated or modified versions.
Step 2: Choose Your Version
| Platform | File | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 10/11 (64-bit) | CiscoPacketTracer_9.0.0_Windows_64bit.exe | Most common. Requires 64-bit Windows. |
| macOS | CiscoPacketTracer_9.0.0_macOS.dmg | macOS 10.14 Mojave or later |
| Ubuntu Linux | CiscoPacketTracer_9.0.0_Ubuntu_64bit.deb | Ubuntu 20.04 LTS or later |
| Android | Google Play Store | Search "Cisco Packet Tracer" |
| iOS | App Store | Search "Cisco Packet Tracer" |
Step 3: Install
Windows: Run the .exe installer. Accept the license agreement, choose install location, wait for extraction. Total install time: about 5-10 minutes.
Mac: Open the .dmg file, drag Packet Tracer to Applications. You may need to allow the app in System Preferences > Security & Privacy.
Linux: Install the .deb package:
sudo dpkg -i CiscoPacketTracer_9.0.0_Ubuntu_64bit.deb
sudo apt-get install -f # Fix any dependency issuesCommon Download Issues
"I can't find the download link" — You must enroll in a Packet Tracer course on Netacad first. The download isn't on a public page — it's inside the course resources.
"Which version should I use?" — Always use the latest (9.0.0 as of 2026). Older versions (8.2, 7.x) may not have all the features your course requires.
"Can I use Packet Tracer on a Chromebook?" — No. Packet Tracer requires Windows, macOS, or Ubuntu. It does not run on ChromeOS, and the Android/iOS versions have limited functionality compared to desktop.
"The installer is blocked by my school/work laptop" — Corporate and school-managed devices often block third-party installs. You'll need admin access or IT approval. See the browser-based alternative below if this is your situation.
"I need Packet Tracer for a class but don't want to create an account" — There is no way to download Packet Tracer without a Netacad account. It's free, but the account is required.
System Requirements
| Requirement | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10 (64-bit), macOS 10.14, Ubuntu 20.04 | Latest version of each |
| CPU | x86-64 processor | Intel Core i5 or equivalent |
| RAM | 4GB | 8GB (for complex topologies) |
| Disk Space | 1.4GB | 2GB+ (for saving projects) |
| Display | 1024x768 | 1920x1080 |
Or Skip the Download: Get Labs in Your Browser
If you don't want to download and install 870MB of software — or if your device doesn't support Packet Tracer (Chromebook, tablet, locked-down school laptop) — there's a browser-based alternative.
NetPilot generates fully configured Cisco Packet Tracer .pkt files from plain English descriptions — or imports your existing .pkt files so you can modify them with AI and re-export. No download, no install, no Netacad account needed.
How it works:
- Open your browser (any device, including Chromebook)
- Describe your lab: "Build an OSPF lab with 3 routers, 2 switches, and VLANs"
- NetPilot's AI agent generates the complete topology with all device configurations
- Export as a .pkt file — open it in Packet Tracer with everything pre-configured
Or practice entirely in the browser — NetPilot also deploys labs to cloud-hosted ContainerLab with real Cisco IOL CLIs you can SSH into. No Packet Tracer needed at all.
| Packet Tracer Download | NetPilot (Browser) | |
|---|---|---|
| Setup time | 10-15 minutes (download + install) | None |
| Account needed | Cisco Networking Academy | NetPilot (free tier) |
| Device support | Windows, Mac, Ubuntu only | Any browser, any device |
| Lab creation | Manual drag-and-drop + CLI | AI generates from description |
| Output | .pkt files | .pkt files + real device CLIs |
| Offline mode | Yes | No (cloud-based) |
| Cost | Free | Free tier available |
FAQ
Is Cisco Packet Tracer free?
Yes. Cisco Packet Tracer is completely free. You need to create a free Cisco Networking Academy account and enroll in a free Packet Tracer course to access the download. There is no paid version.
Can I use Cisco Packet Tracer online without downloading?
Cisco does not offer an official online/browser version of Packet Tracer. The desktop application (Windows, Mac, Linux) must be downloaded and installed. If you need a browser-based alternative, NetPilot generates .pkt files from your browser and also provides real Cisco IOL CLIs via cloud-hosted labs — no download required.
What is the latest version of Cisco Packet Tracer?
The latest version is Cisco Packet Tracer 9.0.0 (as of 2026). It supports Windows 10/11 (64-bit), macOS 10.14+, and Ubuntu 20.04+. Always download from Cisco Networking Academy to get the official latest version.
Can I use Cisco Packet Tracer on a Chromebook?
No. Packet Tracer does not run on ChromeOS. The Android version is available but has limited functionality compared to the desktop version. For network lab practice on a Chromebook, NetPilot runs entirely in the browser and works on any device including Chromebooks and tablets.
Is there a faster way to get Cisco Packet Tracer labs?
Yes. Instead of downloading Packet Tracer, building a topology manually, and configuring each device by hand, you can describe your lab to NetPilot's AI agent and get a fully configured .pkt file in 60 seconds — devices placed, cables connected, routing protocols configured, ready to open in Packet Tracer.
Need a Packet Tracer lab right now? Try NetPilot — describe your assignment and get a fully configured .pkt file in 60 seconds, no download required. Or use Packet Tracer online without downloading anything.