If the above solutions don't work, try manually installing the WinDivert driver:
If you are using a modified or older version of WinDivert that lacks a modern digital signature, Windows will strictly block it.
This blog post addresses the common "WinDivert driver cannot be installed" error often encountered in tools like GoodbyeDPI, ReQrypt, or custom network applications. If the above solutions don't work, try manually
The error explicitly states this for a reason. If a previous version of the driver was loaded and did not shut down properly, the driver file is "locked" in system memory.
Fix: WinDivert Driver Cannot Be Installed (You Must Restart Your Computer) If a previous version of the driver was
After rebooting, attempt to install your application.
When you run a WinDivert-based app, it attempts to install a kernel-mode driver on the fly. If the driver is already partially loaded in a "stuck" state, or if an older version's service is still registered, Windows blocks the new installation. The system suggests a restart because that's the easiest way to clear out resident drivers, but sometimes the "zombie" service survives even a reboot if it's set to auto-start or if the registry is corrupted. Common Fixes (No Restart Loop Required) If the driver is already partially loaded in
as an Administrator and run the following commands to clear the existing service: sc stop WinDivert (or the specific version like WinDivert1.4 sc delete WinDivert Clear Pending Renames
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\WinDivert Right-click and Check for Residual Files : Ensure there aren't conflicting files in your system folders. Search for WinDivert32.sys WinDivert64.sys in your program directory or C:\Windows\System32\drivers
Modern versions of Windows feature advanced virtualization-based security. "Memory Integrity" prevents attackers from inserting malicious code into high-security processes, but it also frequently blocks legitimate, older, or modified WinDivert drivers. Open the Start menu, type , and open it. Locate the Memory Integrity toggle. Switch the toggle to Off . Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
Below is a comprehensive guide to understanding why this error occurs and the definitive steps to resolve it permanently. Root Causes of the WinDivert Installation Error