Winsock IFS Driver - Windows 11 Service
Winsock IFS Driver.
This service also exists in Windows 10, 7, 8 and Vista.
Startup Type
Winsock IFS Driver is a kernel driver, therefore its startup must be configured depending on installed hardware. Changing its startup configuration might cause unexpected hardware issues. In the table below you can see how it is configured on my system, but your default settings might differ from mine.
| Windows 11 version | Home | Pro | Education | Enterprise |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21H2 | Disabled | Disabled | Disabled | Disabled |
| 22H2 | Disabled | Disabled | Disabled | Disabled |
| 23H2 | Disabled | Disabled | Disabled | Disabled |
| 24H2 | Disabled | Disabled | Disabled | Disabled |
Default Properties
| Display name: | Winsock IFS Driver |
| Service name: | ws2ifsl |
| Type: | kernel |
| Path: | %WinDir%\system32\drivers\ws2ifsl.sys |
| Error control: | normal |
| Group: | PNP_TDI |
Default Behavior
The Winsock IFS Driver service is a kernel mode driver. If Winsock IFS Driver fails to start, the error is logged. Windows 11 startup proceeds, but a message box is displayed informing you that the ws2ifsl service has failed to start.
Restore Default Startup Type for Winsock IFS Driver
Automated Restore
1. Select your Windows 11 edition and release, and then click on the Download button below.
2. Save the RestoreWinsockIFSDriverWindows11.bat file to any folder on a local drive such as SSD or a hard disk.
3. Right-click the downloaded batch file and select Properties.
4. Check the Unblock checkbox and click OK.
5. Right-click the batch file again and select Run as administrator.
6. Restart the computer to save changes.
Note. Make sure that the ws2ifsl.sys file exists in the %WinDir%\system32\drivers folder. If this file is missing you can try to restore it from your Windows 11 installation media.