Windivert Driver Cannot Be Installed You Must Restart Your Computer //top\\ Review

If enabled, try disabling Memory Integrity temporarily to see if the driver loads. Digital Signature Issues

The "WinDivert driver cannot be installed" error is fundamentally a driver-locking conflict. By forcing the deletion of the stuck service, closing overlapping software, and clearing out corrupted registry keys, you can bypass the endless reboot loop and successfully initialize your application.

Manual removal of the registry key is often the most effective fix for this specific "restart loop" error. Press , type regedit , and press Enter .

Crucially, the prompt to restart is not merely a suggestion but an indication that Windows has marked the driver for pending deletion or update, requiring a reboot to finalize file operations.

Before fixing the problem, it's helpful to understand what WinDivert is and why you're seeing this message. is a powerful, user-mode library that allows applications to capture, modify, and drop network packets. Because it works at a deep, kernel level, many tools for filtering, analyzing, or modifying network traffic rely on it to function. If enabled, try disabling Memory Integrity temporarily to

Right-click the application shortcut causing the error and select Run as administrator Stack Overflow 3. Clear the Existing WinDivert Service

Because malware can abuse packet diversion tools to intercept data, security software often flags or blocks WinDivert drivers.

Here’s the key point: WinDivert isn't a traditional program that you install. It's a that other applications use. These applications are often network utilities, which may be the reason you're seeing this error.

The error message is a common and frustrating issue for Windows users. It typically appears when launching network-related software like GoodbyeDPI, Requiem, VPNs, or custom firewalls. Manual removal of the registry key is often

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

If the error persists after reboot, check driver signature:

(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.

WinDivert32.sys (for 32-bit systems) or WinDivert64.sys (for 64-bit systems) WinDivert.inf Before fixing the problem, it's helpful to understand

The "WinDivert driver cannot be installed: You must restart your computer" error can be caused by various factors, including pending system restarts, conflicting system files, insufficient system permissions, and driver package issues. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, you should be able to resolve the issue and successfully install the WinDivert driver. If you are still experiencing issues, you may want to consider seeking additional help from the WinDivert community or a qualified IT professional.

If Windows marks the driver service for deletion but fails to clear it, you can force its removal via the Command Prompt.

Sometimes the "restart your computer" part of the error message is literal. Windows may have a from a previous update that is holding a lock on system files, thus blocking any new driver installation. In other cases, residual registry keys from a previous installation of WinDivert can interfere with a new installation, leading to errors like code 433.