If the application is looking for the driver in the wrong directory, you may need to manually place the driver file. Locate the directory where the application is installed.
To automate this, right-click the file, go to -> Compatibility tab, check Run this program as an administrator , and click Apply . 5. Add Antivirus Exclusions
The error message typically indicates that a previous instance of the WinDivert driver is locked in a pending deletion state, or the system lacks the necessary administrative permissions to register the new kernel driver. While the error suggests a system reboot, this prompt often persists even after multiple restarts if the underlying registry keys or active handles are not properly cleared.
Tip: Some users found that manually copying WinDivert64.sys into C:\Windows\System32 resolved persistent installation errors . 4. Clean the Registry (Last Resort) If the application is looking for the driver
Have you already tried , and if so, what message did it return? Share public link
The "WinDivert driver cannot be installed" error, while daunting, is rarely a sign of a serious system failure. It is almost always resolved by ensuring the driver is installed correctly and is allowed to run by the operating system. By following these steps in order—starting with a simple restart and moving through to more advanced system configurations—you should be able to get your application working again. If you have any other tips or questions from your own experience, please share them below.
Right-click the .exe file (or the .bat launch script) and select . Switch to the Compatibility tab. Check the box next to Run this program as an administrator . Click Apply and then OK . Step 5: Configure Exclusions for Security Software Tip: Some users found that manually copying WinDivert64
Click and select the entire folder where your networking software is located. Advanced Troubleshooting
If you are trying to run two different programs that both use WinDivert (e.g., a gaming VPN and a censorship circumvention tool), they will clash. WinDivert generally cannot be "installed" by two different processes at the exact same time.
Windows refuses to load the driver because it does not recognize the signature. Common causes include:
The WinDivert driver installation loop is rarely a hardware fault or a permanent operating system corruption. By terminating conflicting handles, forcing a service deletion via sc delete , and ensuring your application runs with full administrative rights, you can successfully bypass the prompt and restore your network utility tools to normal operation. Share public link
If you are confident in your software source, you can also temporarily toggle to Off . Reboot your PC to apply these deep system security changes. 4. Run the Software with Administrator Privileges
If the driver is still stuck, manually delete the driver files and reboot:
This error occurs when the Windows operating system fails to load the WinDivert64.sys (or 32-bit equivalent) driver file into the kernel, which is essential for network packet interception. Common causes include:
