Windivert Driver Cannot Be Installed You Must Restart Your Computer |top| Jun 2026

Windivert is a user-mode packet diversion driver that allows applications to capture, modify, and inject network packets on Windows systems. It's a crucial component for various network monitoring, testing, and security tools. However, the installation process can sometimes be disrupted by system errors or compatibility issues, leading to the "Windivert driver cannot be installed" error.

If WinDivert’s driver is already loaded (e.g., from an older application crash), the service control manager may list it as running but in a degraded state. The installation routine checks via SCM and, if the driver cannot be stopped or unloaded cleanly, it flags the system as requiring a restart. Windivert is a user-mode packet diversion driver that

If you are using software like X-VPN or GoodbyeDPI , try uninstalling them entirely, restarting, and then performing a clean reinstallation. If WinDivert’s driver is already loaded (e

Instead of immediately trying to load the driver, the application must check the Windows Registry for pending restart operations. Instead of immediately trying to load the driver,

Temporarily disable or uninstall other network management tools. Try running the problematic application as the only active network tool. If it works, you know there is a conflict.