Your Computer Top | Windivert Driver Cannot Be Installed You Must Restart

Security software often flags kernel-level packet injectors as false positives or potentially unwanted programs (PUPs).

What (e.g., GoodbyeDPI, a specific VPN, or a custom tool) is triggering this error?

Which (Windows 10 or Windows 11) are you currently running?

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The "WinDivert driver cannot be installed, you must restart your computer" issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including pending system restarts, conflicting kernel-mode drivers, insufficient privileges, and system configuration issues. By trying the solutions outlined in this report, users should be able to resolve the issue and successfully install the WinDivert driver. This public link is valid for 7 days

Work through these solutions in order from simplest to most effective. After trying a fix, restart your computer and attempt to launch your application again.

Type the following command to stop any active WinDivert service and press : sc stop windivert Use code with caution.

After installation, re-enable protection and add the WinDivert path to the allowed list.

, the installation might fail because the modern WinDivert driver is signed with Can’t copy the link right now

Ensure you have administrative privileges.

Look for any processes related to your software (e.g., goodbyedpi.exe , dvhg.exe , or java.exe if running ManageEngine). Right-click and select . 3. Disable Aggressive Antivirus/EDR

: When a program using WinDivert closes unexpectedly, the operating system fails to fully unload the WinDivert service. The driver remains orphaned in the kernel space.

Click on , then select Manage settings (under Virus & threat protection settings). Press Win + R

Go to .

Overzealous Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) or antivirus tools frequently flag WinDivert as a potentially unwanted program (PUP) or rootkit due to its packet-injection capabilities. Step-by-Step Solutions

Sometimes, the installation hangs because of a "stubborn" registry key from a previous installation attempt. Press Win + R , type regedit , and hit Enter.

Execute the delete command to wipe the service registration out of the active hardware pool: sc delete windivert Use code with caution.