Windivert Driver Cannot Be Installed You Must Restart Your Computer Top Guide

Many users click Restart and still see the error. Why? Windows Fast Startup (enabled by default) hibernates the kernel, leaving driver state intact.

Solution:

This forces a clean driver reload and often resolves the error after a single cycle. Many users click Restart and still see the error


Pro tip: If the tool runs as a background service (e.g., installed VPN client), ensure the service itself has admin rights via Services.msc. This forces a clean driver reload and often


Safe Mode loads only essential drivers, clearing any locks from third-party software. Installing WinDivert in Safe Mode sometimes bypasses the restart requirement. Pro tip: If the tool runs as a background service (e