If the software still insists on a restart, you may need to clear the driver's registration manually: Open regedit (Registry Editor).
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
or install a new antivirus before this error started appearing? WinDivert not working on Windows 10 20H2 #253 - GitHub If the software still insists on a restart,
: An old WinDivert service is still registered but points to a file that no longer exists.
Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each: sc stop windivert sc delete windivert Use code with caution. Restart your PC
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. Incompatible software or install a new antivirus before
WinDivert requires specific files to be in the same folder as your .exe . Ensure your program directory contains: WinDivert.dll WinDivert64.sys (for 64-bit systems) WinDivert32.sys (for 32-bit systems) WinDivert.inf
Tip: Some users found that manually copying WinDivert64.sys into C:\Windows\System32 resolved persistent installation errors . 4. Clean the Registry (Last Resort)
The error message 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: