Windivert Driver Cannot Be Installed You Must Restart Your Computer May 2026

If these fail, try using the windivertctl tool by running windivertctl.exe uninstall from your application's directory. 2. Disable Core Isolation (Memory Integrity)

If the software still insists on a restart, you may need to clear the driver's registration manually: Open regedit (Registry Editor).

Modern Windows 10 and 11 security features can prevent "unsigned" or older drivers from loading. Go to > Device Security . Click on Core isolation details . Toggle Memory Integrity to Off . Restart your computer and try running the software again. 3. Verify File Placement If these fail, try using the windivertctl tool

Tip: Some users found that manually copying WinDivert64.sys into C:\Windows\System32 resolved persistent installation errors . 4. Clean the Registry (Last Resort)

or install a new antivirus before this error started appearing? WinDivert not working on Windows 10 20H2 #253 - GitHub Modern Windows 10 and 11 security features can

: Windows "Core Isolation" or antivirus software (like Sophos) is blocking the driver from loading.

Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\WinDivert . and Delete the WinDivert folder. Restart your PC. Summary Checklist Old driver stuck Run sc delete windivert in Admin CMD. Windows Security block Turn off Memory Integrity in Core Isolation. Incompatible software Toggle Memory Integrity to Off

Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each: sc stop windivert sc delete windivert Use code with caution.

If Windows says you need a restart, it’s likely because it’s trying to overwrite a service that’s "marked for deletion." You can force this process using the command prompt: Open as an Administrator .

Temporarily disable antivirus like Sophos or specialized firewalls. Ensure .sys and .dll files are in the program folder.