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

The Windivert driver is a software component that allows for the capture and manipulation of network traffic on Windows systems. It's commonly used for network analysis, security testing, and other related tasks. For it to function correctly, it needs to interact closely with the operating system's network stack.

Before fixing the error, it helps to understand the component. (Windows Packet Divert) is a legitimate, open-source driver that allows user-mode applications to capture, modify, and block network packets on Windows. It bypasses the standard Winsock API to work at a low level—similar to a lightweight, programmable firewall.

Behind the scenes, Windows maintains a registry flag that blocks new driver installations if a system restart is pending—often from Windows Update. The error message is actually Windows’ way of saying: “Finish your updates before I load new drivers.” The Windivert driver is a software component that

: The driver cannot install without elevated rights. Always right-click your application and select Run as Administrator Antivirus Interference : Security software like

The application attempting to install the driver was not executed with administrative rights. Before fixing the error, it helps to understand

Hold the while clicking Restart in the Windows Start Menu.

often flags WinDivert as suspicious because it intercepts network packets, blocking its installation. Try temporarily disabling your antivirus to see if the driver installs. Manual Registry Cleanup : As a last resort, navigate to Behind the scenes, Windows maintains a registry flag

Hold the while clicking Restart in the Windows Start Menu.