Fix Zapret GUI Not Working: Common Errors and Proven Solutions

When using Zapret GUI, a popular tool for bypassing network restrictions and improving online freedom, encountering errors or crashes can be frustrating. Whether the GUI fails to start, disconnects randomly, or simply doesn’t function as expected, these issues often have simple, actionable fixes. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through the most common Zapret GUI problems and provide step-by-step proven solutions to get your setup running smoothly again.

Understanding Zapret GUI and Its Core Functions

Zapret GUI is a graphical interface built on top of the Zapret command-line tool, designed to help users bypass Deep Packet Inspection (DPI), ISP restrictions, and network throttling. It’s primarily used to maintain high-speed and unrestricted access to online services that might be blocked or slowed by ISPs.

The GUI version simplifies the configuration process, allowing users to manage settings visually without delving into complex command-line commands. However, like any software that interacts with network drivers and proxies, it can run into conflicts or permission-related errors.

Common Zapret GUI Issues

Below are the most frequently reported Zapret GUI not working errors and what causes them.

1. Zapret GUI Not Launching

When the application refuses to start or immediately closes after opening, it often points to:

Missing or corrupted system dependencies
Conflicts with antivirus or firewall software
Incomplete installation
Lack of administrator privileges

2. Zapret GUI Fails to Connect

You may see a “Connection failed” or “Error establishing tunnel” message. This usually indicates:

Incorrect network adapter selection
Blocked ports
Misconfigured settings in the config.ini file
DNS or proxy conflicts

3. Zapret GUI Running But Not Blocking DPI

If Zapret GUI runs but fails to bypass restrictions, it might be due to:

Outdated Zapret core files
Incorrect filter settings
ISP using advanced DPI methods
Conflicts with VPN software

4. “Service Not Responding” or Driver Errors

This happens when Zapret cannot hook into the network stack properly. Causes include:

Missing Windows drivers
Compatibility issues with the current OS build
Faulty TAP or WinDivert drivers

Proven Solutions to Fix Zapret GUI Not Working

Below are step-by-step solutions that address nearly every issue you might face.

1. Run Zapret GUI as Administrator

Zapret GUI requires elevated privileges to modify system network settings.

Right-click the Zapret GUI icon.
Select “Run as Administrator.”
Allow Windows to grant permissions when prompted.

If the GUI launches successfully afterward, you can make this permanent by adjusting the shortcut properties under Compatibility → Run this program as administrator.

2. Disable Antivirus and Firewall Temporarily

Security tools can mistakenly flag Zapret GUI as a threat due to its network-altering behavior. To test this:

Temporarily disable antivirus software.
Turn off Windows Defender Firewall.
Relaunch Zapret GUI and check connectivity.

If the tool works, add it to your whitelist or exclusion list before re-enabling protection.

3. Reinstall or Update the Core Zapret Files

Sometimes, corrupted or outdated binaries are the root cause.

Steps:

Download the latest version of Zapret and Zapret GUI from a trusted source.
Delete your existing installation folder completely.
Extract the new version into a clean directory (avoid “Program Files” if possible).
Run the setup and restart your PC.

This refreshes all essential files and ensures compatibility with the newest Windows updates.

4. Fix Driver and Network Adapter Issues

Zapret GUI relies on WinDivert or TAP drivers for packet interception. Driver failure often leads to no connectivity.

To fix:

Open Device Manager → Network adapters.
Check for WinDivert, TAP-Windows Adapter, or similar.
Right-click and update or reinstall the driver.
If missing, reinstall Zapret GUI or manually install the driver using the provided install_driver.bat file.

After reinstalling, reboot your computer and re-launch the GUI.

5. Adjust Configuration and Port Settings

Sometimes, incorrect port or filter settings cause connection issues.

Open the Zapret GUI folder.
Locate the config.ini file.
Verify that the correct network interface is selected.
Ensure the listening port (default: 8080 or 3128) is not in use by other applications.
Save changes and restart the tool.

If unsure, select “Auto-detect interface” in the GUI to let Zapret configure it automatically.

6. Check for Windows Updates

Outdated Windows builds or missing updates can break network-layer tools like Zapret.

Open Settings → Windows Update.
Click Check for updates and install all pending patches.
Restart the system and run Zapret GUI again.

7. Reset DNS and Network Configuration

Misconfigured DNS or corrupted TCP/IP stacks can prevent Zapret GUI from functioning properly.

Run the following commands in Command Prompt (Admin):

netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /flushdns

Restart your PC afterward. This clears old DNS cache and resets your adapter configurations.

8. Ensure No VPN or Proxy Conflict

If you’re using VPN software (like OpenVPN, WireGuard, or SoftEther), it might interfere with Zapret’s packet handling.

Steps to resolve:

Disconnect all VPNs before launching Zapret GUI.
Disable any system proxy (Settings → Network & Internet → Proxy).
After Zapret GUI is running properly, reconnect your VPN if needed — but only if the VPN supports DPI bypass chaining.

9. Enable Detailed Logs for Troubleshooting

To identify deeper issues, enable verbose logging in Zapret GUI.

Open Settings → Advanced Options.
Enable “Debug Mode” or “Verbose Logging.”
Check the generated log file (usually in the logs folder).

This log provides insight into which module or driver failed during launch, helping you narrow down the issue quickly.

10. Revert to Command-Line Zapret if GUI Fails

If the GUI continues to malfunction, try reverting to Zapret CLI mode.

Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
Navigate to the Zapret directory.
Use a command such as: winws.exe --filter tcp --port 443
Check connectivity manually to confirm DPI bypass functionality.

This helps determine if the issue lies with the GUI itself or the core service.

Preventive Measures for Stable Performance

Once your Zapret GUI is working, follow these best practices for long-term stability:

Keep both Zapret and Windows updated.
Avoid running multiple DPI bypass tools simultaneously.
Regularly clean up network drivers and unused adapters.
Always run the application with admin privileges.

Performing these simple maintenance tasks prevents recurring issues and ensures smooth DPI bypass performance.

Final Thoughts

When Zapret GUI stops working, the cause is usually a small configuration or compatibility issue rather than a fundamental software flaw. By methodically following the above solutions — from running as administrator to driver reinstallation — you can restore full functionality and regain unrestricted internet access.