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

: Older Windows 7 installations often lack SHA256 digital signature support , preventing the driver from loading. Ensure you have the KB3033929 update installed. Specific Fix for Tools (e.g., GoodbyeDPI)

Are you using a specific program like or a custom script when this happens? WinDivert not working on Windows 10 20H2 #253 - GitHub

Select and add the directory where your application (and its accompanying WinDivert DLL/SYS files) is installed. 4. Clear Temporary Driver Files from System32

: Ensure the application using WinDivert (like GoodbyeDPI or a VPN) is being Run as Administrator . : Older Windows 7 installations often lack SHA256

Alternatively, you can use the bcdedit command in Windows to temporarily disable driver signature enforcement for a single boot:

Sometimes Windows caches a corrupt driver setup block, forcing the OS to reject new installation attempts.

Go to > Protection history to see if WinDivert was recently blocked. If blocked, select the action and click Allow on device . WinDivert not working on Windows 10 20H2 #253

Restart now · Remind me later

The error usually indicates a conflict between an active system service, a blocked kernel driver, or restrictive third-party security software . The WinDivert (Windows Packet Divert) utility is widely deployed by deep packet inspection (DPI) bypass tools like GoodbyeDPI and Zapret to manage and capture network packets. When an application tries to initialize it, a hung or residual instance of an older version forces Windows to block the installation until a system reset occurs.

If you're seeing the "WinDivert driver cannot be installed, you must restart your computer" message on repeat, you’re likely stuck in a "zombie service" loop. This driver, used by tools like GoodbyeDPI or FakeNet-NG , often fails because an older version didn't clean up after itself or Windows Security thinks it’s a threat. 1. The "Clean Slate" Method (Admin Prompt) Alternatively, you can use the bcdedit command in

Do you need help WinDivert from your registry or checking your driver signatures ?

Following expert advice from community forums like GitHub Issues , Alex opened the Command Prompt as an Administrator and ran two critical commands to clear the "stuck" service: sc stop WinDivert sc delete WinDivert

WinDivert is a user-mode packet capture and diversion library. It allows software to intercept, inspect, and modify network packets. Because it operates at the kernel level (via a driver), it requires deep system privileges. Windows treats driver installations with strict security checks. If a previous version of the driver was not unloaded correctly, or if Windows has a pending reboot flag set, the system will block the new installation until the state is cleared.

Sometimes Windows permanently flags the driver path in the registry, preventing re-installation. Press Win + R , type regedit , and hit .