Windivert Driver Cannot Be Installed You Must Restart Your Computer Page

The error message often appears when users try to run network tools like GoodbyeDPI , ReQrypt , or custom VPN software. This usually happens because an older version of the driver is stuck in memory, or Windows is blocking the new installation due to security settings like Memory Integrity . Why the Error Persists After Restarting A standard reboot doesn't always clear the issue if:

This error happens because the Windows kernel is rejecting the WinDivert driver, preventing it from interacting with your network stack. In this comprehensive guide, we will break down exactly why this happens and provide step-by-step solutions to fix it for good. Understanding WinDivert and the Root Cause

Windows refuses to load the driver because it is not properly signed by Microsoft.

Attempting to load a 32-bit driver on a 64-bit system, or missing the .sys file in the application directory.

Go to the executable file of the application you are trying to open. The error message often appears when users try

. While a restart often clears the driver from memory, it may not remove the service entry if it's stuck. Quick Fixes Run as Administrator

Navigate to the following path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\

: Windows "Core Isolation" or antivirus software (like Sophos) is blocking the driver from loading.

: If the service commands fail, you can manually remove the driver's registry key. Open and navigate to: In this comprehensive guide, we will break down

WinDivert, short for Windows Packet Divert, is a powerful, legitimate tool that allows software to capture, filter, and modify network packets at a kernel level—something usually reserved for system drivers. Programs often use it to create VPNs, firewalls, network monitors, and tools for bypassing internet restrictions. When a program tries to use it and fails, it simply can't perform its network functions.

If the service persists, you may need to manually remove its registry key. Press Win + R , type regedit , and hit Enter.

Look for a folder named or WinDivert1.4 (the version number may vary). Right-click the folder and select Delete . Restart your PC to apply the changes. 5. Check for Driver Signature and Antivirus Interference

WinDivert cannot install its kernel driver from a standard user account. Close the application throwing the error. Right-click the application executable ( .exe ). Select . 2. Manually Remove Leftover WinDivert Services Go to the executable file of the application

Upon reboot, press or F7 to select Disable driver signature enforcement .

The driver file ( WinDivert64.sys ) is locked by another process or was not properly released.

This error usually happens when a previous version of the WinDivert driver is still active or registered in a way that prevents a new installation

Many applications extract the WinDivert.sys file to your system's temporary directory during execution. If this file becomes corrupted, installation fails. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type %temp% and press .