A native Windows wrapper application for managing VNT (Virtual Network Tool https://github.com/vnt-dev/vnt) networks, built with wxPython and designed specifically for the Windows ecosystem.
This is NOT a Flutter web application wrapped in a Windows container. Instead, it's a true native Windows application built with:
- wxPython: A mature Python GUI framework that creates authentic Win32-style interfaces
- Windows System Services: Leverages Windows Service infrastructure for reliable background operations
- Task Scheduler Integration: Uses Windows Task Scheduler for automated management tasks
- Native IPC Communication: Direct inter-process communication using Windows mechanisms
This application embraces the Windows philosophy by:
✅ System Services: Runs as a proper Windows Service for automatic startup and reliability
✅ Task Scheduler: Integrates with Windows Task Scheduler for scheduled operations
✅ Win32 UI Style: Follows Windows UI conventions and user expectations
✅ Process Management: Uses Windows-native process control and monitoring
✅ Event Logging: Integrates with Windows Event Log system
✅ Registry Integration: Proper Windows registry usage for configuration
- VNT Network Management: Complete control over VNT virtual network connections
- Service-Based Architecture: Reliable background daemon running as Windows Service
- Real-time Monitoring: Live network status, IP assignment, and connection quality
- Auto-Reconnection: Intelligent reconnection with configurable intervals
- Update Management: Seamless self-update with graceful shutdown procedures
- Log Viewer: Dual-format log parsing supporting both Python and Rust applications
- IP Notification: Banner notifications when IP addresses are assigned
- Graceful Shutdown: Coordinated shutdown following Windows service best practices
┌─────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ VNT Helper GUI (wxPython) │
│ - Win32 Native Interface │
│ - Real-time Status Display │
│ - Configuration Management │
└──────────────┬──────────────────────────┘
│ IPC (Named Pipes)
┌──────────────▼──────────────────────────┐
│ VNT Daemon (Windows Service) │
│ - Background Network Management │
│ - Auto-reconnection Logic │
│ - Process Monitoring │
└──────────────┬──────────────────────────┘
│ Command Execution
┌──────────────▼──────────────────────────┐
│ vnt2_cli (Rust Binary) │
│ - VNT Protocol Implementation │
│ - Network Operations │
└─────────────────────────────────────────┘
- GUI Framework: wxPython 4.x (Phoenix)
- Language: Python 3.8+
- Background Service: pywin32 (Windows Service API)
- IPC Mechanism: Named Pipes / Sockets
- Network Client: vnt2_cli (Rust-based)
- Packaging: PyInstaller
- Updater: Custom Windows-aware update system
- Download the latest release from GitHub Releases
- Extract the archive to your desired location
- Run
vnt_helper.exeas Administrator (required for service installation) - The application will automatically install the Windows Service on first run
- OS: Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
- Privileges: Administrator rights (for service installation)
- Network: Internet access for VNT connection
- Dependencies: All bundled in the executable (no Python installation required)
- Launch
vnt_helper.exewith administrator privileges - Configure your VNT server address and authentication token
- Click "Start" to begin the VNT connection
- The application will install the Windows Service automatically
- Start/Stop: Control VNT network connection from the main interface
- Monitor: View real-time connection status and assigned IP addresses
- Logs: Access detailed logs through the built-in log viewer
- Settings: Customize reconnection intervals and other parameters
The application manages a Windows Service named "VNTDaemon":
- Automatically starts on system boot (if configured)
- Runs in the background independent of the GUI
- Can be managed via Windows Services MMC snap-in (
services.msc)
The application features an intelligent update system:
- Check for Updates: Periodically checks for new versions
- the update control file is placed at http://the-ip-of-your-server:port/files/version.yaml (can be configured in the application)
- the update file is vnt_helper.zip, location and checksum of which are defined in the controlling file version.yaml
- Graceful Shutdown:
- Stops network connections
- Sends shutdown signal to daemon
- Waits for clean process termination (20-30 seconds)
- Uninstalls Windows Service
- Download & Install: Downloads and extracts new version
- Restart: Launches updated application automatically
The log viewer supports dual format parsing:
Python Logging Format (application logs):
2026-05-20 14:44:15,976 - INFO - PID 3720 : message text here
Rust/vnt2_cli Format (CLI output):
2026-05-20T14:44:15.933124700+08:00 INFO message text here
Both formats are automatically detected and displayed in a unified interface.
- Runs with minimal required privileges
- Secure IPC communication between components
- Validates update checksums before installation
- No external dependencies beyond bundled libraries
- Ensure you're running as Administrator
- Check Windows Event Log for service-related errors
- Verify no antivirus is blocking service creation
- Verify firewall allows VNT traffic
- Check server address and token configuration
- Review logs for detailed error messages
- Ensure stable internet connection
- Check available disk space
- Review updater logs in the application directory
The core vnt2_cli binary is from the project https://github.com/vnt-dev/vnt This project is licensed under the MIT License.
Contributions are welcome! Please feel free to submit issues and pull requests.
For issues and questions, please visit:
Built with ❤️ for Windows users who appreciate native applications