Windivert Driver Cannot Be Installed You Must Restart Your Computer [verified] Info

: Use Resource Monitor (Task Manager > Performance > Open Resource Monitor) and search for "WinDivert" under Associated Handles to see which programs are currently using the driver and terminate them.

Look for files named WinDivert.sys , WinDivert64.sys , or folders related to your software.

Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\WinDivert . Delete the WinDivert entry and restart your computer.

If Windows still refuses to load the driver, it might be due to security policies regarding unsigned drivers. Open the app in Windows. Go to Update & Security > Recovery . Under Advanced startup , click Restart now . : Use Resource Monitor (Task Manager > Performance

If using version 2.2.0 fails on specific Windows builds (like 20H2), try reverting to version 1.4.3 , which is reported to be more stable in some environments.

If the driver service is corrupted or stuck in the Windows registry, you can force its deletion via the Command Prompt. Type in the Windows start menu search bar. Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator . Type the following command and press Enter : sc stop windivert Use code with caution. Next, type this command and press Enter : sc delete windivert Use code with caution.

The error is a classic example of Windows’ overly cautious driver management. While frustrating, it is rarely a sign of a broken PC or malware. Delete the WinDivert entry and restart your computer

For Windows 10/11 Home/Pro only. Re-enable after the install.

(Windows Packet Divert) is a legitimate, open-source driver that allows applications to capture, modify, or block network packets in real-time. It runs at the kernel level, which is why Windows treats it with extra security scrutiny.

If none of the above steps work, perform a of Windows. This prevents third-party software (other than Microsoft services) from loading. Go to Update & Security > Recovery

The Windows Divert (WinDivert) package is a user-mode packet capture and modification library widely used in applications such as VPN clients, firewalls, network monitors, and traffic shapers. A common installation error — "WinDivert driver cannot be installed; you must restart your computer" — indicates a systemic failure in the driver loading process. This paper examines the root causes of this error, the underlying Windows driver installation mechanics, and provides a systematic troubleshooting and resolution framework. The paper concludes with best practices for developers and end-users to prevent recurrence.

Windows Packet Divert (WinDivert) is a legitimate, open-source user-mode packet capture and modification library for Windows. It allows applications to intercept, inspect, drop, or modify network packets flowing through your system.