Windivert Driver Cannot Be Installed You Must Restart Your Computer ⚡ Safe

The application attempting to install the driver does not have the high-level permissions required to modify kernel drivers. Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix the Error

This capability makes WinDivert a critical component for a wide range of powerful networking applications, including:

Since Windows 10 (1607), 64-bit versions require kernel drivers to be signed by Microsoft’s Hardware Dev Center. While WinDivert uses a legitimate test certificate, some enterprise systems enforce strict attestation. If signature validation fails, Windows disables driver load without a reboot, but the installer message may incorrectly genericize the failure as a "cannot install – restart required."

The error message occurs when a Windows system cannot initialize or update the WinDivert (Windows Packet Divert) kernel-side driver. This specific failure usually indicates that an older version of the driver is locked in memory , a digital signature check has failed, or Windows security settings like Memory Integrity are actively blocking it.

WinDivert64.sys (for 64-bit systems) or WinDivert32.sys (for 32-bit systems) WinDivert.inf WinDivert not working on Windows 10 20H2 #253 - GitHub The application attempting to install the driver does

Modern versions of Windows (especially 64-bit) require all drivers to be digitally signed. If you are using an older version of a tool (like an old GoodbyeDPI build), the WinDivert driver signature might be expired or revoked.

If the system responds that the service is already marked for deletion, it means a process still holds a handle to it. Close all open applications and proceed to Step 3. 3. Terminate Conflicting Network Applications

If the command prompt returns an error saying the service doesn't exist but the installer still complains, there may be a ghost entry in your Windows Registry. Press Win + R , type , and hit Enter.

Run your program again, which should now reinstall the driver correctly. 2. Disable Driver Signature Enforcement If signature validation fails, Windows disables driver load

Here is a troubleshooting guide you can use for a post or to fix the issue yourself.

In rare cases, Windows marks a driver as "bad" or "blocked" in the registry. This often happens after a crash involving WinDivert.

A previous session or crashed application left an old instance of the WinDivert driver registered in the system memory.

The simplest solution is to restart your computer and then attempt to install the WinDivert driver again. This will ensure that any pending system changes or updates are completed, and the system is in a clean state. If you are using an older version of

Download the WinDivert package from its official repository (e.g., github.com/basil00/Divert ). Extract and run as Administrator :

The application lacks the administrative authority required to install a kernel driver.

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 you have not restarted your PC recently (or if a previous installation failed), do a .