Windivert Driver Cannot Be Installed You Must Restart Your Computer <QUICK>
The error message "WinDivert driver cannot be installed, you must restart your computer" often appears when users try to run network tools like GoodbyeDPI, ReQrypt, or custom VPN software. This usually happens because an older version of the driver is stuck in memory, or Windows is blocking the new installation due to security settings like Memory Integrity. Why the Error Persists After Restarting A standard reboot doesn't always clear the issue if:
4. Resolution Strategies
4.1 Immediate Safe Reboot (Recommended)
The simplest fix: save work, restart the system, and re-run the installer. This clears pending file operations, unloads any orphaned driver instances, and resets the SCM state. The error message "WinDivert driver cannot be installed,
- Briefly disable antivirus/endpoint tools and try installation (re-enable afterwards).
- Visit the WinDivert official website and download the latest driver package.
- Follow the installation instructions carefully.
Conclusion
3. Insufficient Privileges or Antivirus Interference
WinDivert installs to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\. This directory is heavily protected by Windows. If you are not running the installer as an Administrator, or if your antivirus software is blocking the driver installation (flagging it as a potential risk because of its packet-diverting nature), the installation will fail. Visit the WinDivert official website and download the
However, because it interacts deeply with the Windows networking stack, Windows protects it aggressively. If a previous installation attempt failed, or if Windows Update installed a generic driver over it, the system puts a "lock" on the driver that requires a reboot to clear. Check driver status: However