Computers run on an operating system kernel. This kernel manages how programs talk to the hardware. Sometimes updates to this kernel change how features work. Software that relies on specific kernel functions might stop working after an update.
bpfcompat verifies that your software works with the specific version of the Linux kernel you use. It acts as a gatekeeper. It checks if your system supports the tools your software needs before you experience a crash or data loss.
This tool focuses on eBPF technology. eBPF allows programs to run inside the kernel safely. Because this happens at a deep level, small changes in the kernel can block your software from starting.
bpfcompat performs several checks:
- It scans your current kernel settings.
- It runs small tests to see if essential features function as expected.
- It reports issues that might prevent your software from operating correctly.
- It provides clear feedback to help you fix configuration errors.
By using this tool, you avoid hours of troubleshooting. You gain confidence that your environment meets the requirements for your projects.
You can download the latest version of bpfcompat directly from our GitHub release page.
Click here to visit the download page
On this page, look for the section labeled "Assets." Click the link that ends in .exe for Windows. Save the file to a folder where you can easily find it, such as your Downloads folder.
Follow these steps to run bpfcompat on your Windows computer.
- Locate the file you downloaded in your Downloads folder.
- Double-click the file to start the program.
- Windows might show a security prompt. This happens because the file comes from the internet. Click "More Info" and then "Run anyway" if the system asks for confirmation.
- A small window will appear. This window shows the progress of the compatibility check.
- Wait for the tool to finish its scan. This usually takes less than one minute.
Once the scan finishes, bpfcompat displays a list of results. You will see three types of indicators:
- Green checkmarks mean your system supports a specific feature. Everything looks correct for these items.
- Yellow warning icons mean a feature works, but your settings might need optimization. Your software will likely run, but you may see performance problems.
- Red cross icons mean a feature is missing or disabled. Your software will not function if it needs these items.
If you see red icons, the program lists the missing requirements. You can copy this information and search for it online to learn how to enable those specific kernel settings.
To use bpfcompat effectively, ensure your computer meets these minimum standards:
- You must run a modern version of Windows.
- You must have virtualization software, such as VirtualBox or VMware, installed.
- You need at least 4 GB of available space on your hard drive.
- Your processor must support hardware virtualization. Check your BIOS or UEFI settings if you encounter errors regarding virtualization.
bpfcompat uses a method called KVM to simulate a Linux environment on your computer. When you run the application, it creates a small, temporary virtual machine. This machine tests the compatibility of your kernel functions without changing your actual system settings.
The tool uses libbpf and qemu to ensure the test environment matches real-world production servers. This approach ensures that the results you see are accurate to what you would experience on a professional Linux server.
Because this tool performs low-level checks, it requires full access to your virtualization drivers. If your computer does not allow virtualization, bpfcompat will alert you immediately upon startup.
If the application fails to start or closes unexpectedly, consider these suggestions:
- Update your virtualization software to the latest version.
- Restart your computer to clear any locked hardware resources.
- Run the tool as an administrator. Right-click the file and select "Run as administrator" from the menu.
- Ensure no other program is currently using high amounts of system memory.
If you continue to experience issues, verify that your computer hardware supports virtualization. Most modern processors include this feature, but some manufacturers disable it by default in the system settings.
bpfcompat is an open-source project. This means the code remains open for anyone to inspect. We do not collect your personal data, system passwords, or usage statistics.
The application only inspects kernel-level configurations. It does not look at your personal files, documents, or browser history. Since the program runs in a separate test environment, it cannot alter your primary Windows settings or files. You can delete the application at any time by simply removing the .exe file from your folder.
We welcome feedback from any user. If you find a bug or want to request a feature, head over to the main repository page. You can open an "Issue" to describe your problem. Please include the text generated by the program so we can understand what your system reports.
We maintain this tool to help the developer community. By checking your kernel compatibility, you contribute to a more stable ecosystem for everyone.