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hcxtools converts and processes Wi-Fi capture data; it does not crack passwords or decrypt traffic. For authorized analysis, use it to turn a capture file into a hash format for a separate recovery tool, or to filter and prepare hash records. Keep the original capture: converting it to a hash file loses information.
Where hcxtools fits in a Wi-Fi analysis workflow
The hcxtools project describes its utilities as tools for converting packets from capture files into hash files for Hashcat or John the Ripper (JtR). That makes hcxtools a processing step, not the password-recovery step. Use these tools only with networks and files you are authorized to handle.
A typical workflow separates four jobs:
- Capture: hcxdumptool records wireless packets.
- Convert: hcxpcapngtool turns a supported capture into hash records.
- Filter or prepare: hcxhashtool can filter hash records; hcxpsktool and hcxeiutool assist with candidate preparation.
- Recover a password, if authorized: Use Hashcat or JtR separately.
The upstream project documents this general sequence as hcxdumptool → hcxpcapngtool → hcxhashtool (with additional preparation tools as needed) → Hashcat or JtR. Each stage has a distinct role; hcxtools is not a packet-capture replacement or a full packet analyzer. See the hcxtools project documentation and the hcxdumptool project documentation.
Convert a capture file to a Hashcat hash file
Kali’s hcxpcapngtool reference lists pcapng, pcap, and cap as input formats. Its example writes a WPA-PBKDF2-PMKID+EAPOL hash file for Hashcat mode 22000:
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hcxpcapngtool -o hash.22000 -E elist dump.pcapngHere, dump.pcapng is the input capture, -o hash.22000 names the hash output, and -E elist requests an additional output list. The example illustrates documented syntax; it is not a universal capture or setup procedure. Check the installed tool’s help and your distribution’s documentation for current options.
The corresponding downstream Hashcat example is:
hashcat -m 22000 hash.22000 wordlistThis is a separate recovery step, not an hcxtools command. The Kali reference’s full illustrative sequence also includes a capture command, but the capture operation requires additional device and interface considerations. For the conversion command and mode context, see Kali’s hcxtools reference.
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Understand what the conversion keeps—and loses
Dump-to-hash conversion is lossy, as the Kali reference warns. A derived hash file is not a complete replacement for the original packet capture: it does not preserve all of the capture’s data for later inspection or other analysis. Retain the original pcapng, pcap, or cap file and treat the hash file as a working derivative.
Also check whether an output file already exists before rerunning a conversion. The Kali reference notes that generated output is appended to existing files, so reruns can add records rather than start with a clean file. Choose a new output filename or deliberately manage the existing file to avoid mixing results.
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Know what hcxtools cannot do
The hcxtools project explicitly says its tools do not crack WPA PSK-related hashes, WEP, or WPS, and do not decrypt encrypted traffic. For password recovery from supported PSK-related hashes, the project points users to Hashcat or JtR. For traffic decryption and packet-level inspection, it names Wireshark or tshark. Those are separate tasks and tools; do not treat hcxpcapngtool or hcxhashtool as a general Wi-Fi cracker or decryptor. See the upstream hcxtools documentation.
Install hcxtools and check your version
The project says hcxtools is available through package managers on most distributions and documents building from source with make, with installation under /usr/bin or a chosen prefix. Follow the package or build instructions for your own distribution rather than assuming one installation method applies everywhere.
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Kali’s reference, checked on October 7, 2026, lists version 7.1.2 and the distribution-specific command sudo apt install hcxtools. Package versions and availability change; verify the current package details for your operating system and consult upstream documentation when necessary.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesThe project warns that hcxdumptool and hcxtools are not recommended for inexperienced users. In practice, expect to need Linux familiarity and a basic understanding of wireless captures, file formats, and command-line workflows before using them.
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Capture-file analysis is different from live capture
If you are only converting a capture that already exists, capture-device cautions do not apply to that offline conversion. They matter when acquiring traffic with hcxdumptool. The Debian trixie manpage warns against using hcxdumptool on logical interfaces created by third-party tools, in virtual machines or emulators, or alongside competing channel-hopping tools. It also says to check devices immediately if a password is captured from Wi-Fi traffic. Review the Debian trixie hcxdumptool manpage before capture operations.
Quick Recap
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