Real-time scanning can lock .sys files during copy operations.
In the folder that opens, look for any files named windivert.sys or folders related to your network tool and delete them.
If you are reading this, you have likely been stopped mid-task by a frustrating pop-up error:
If you continue to have trouble after trying all of these solutions, your best next step is to consult the support community for the specific software that requires WinDivert. When posting for help, always include any specific error codes you see (like 577 or 0x80041017 ) and details about your Windows version (e.g., Windows 11, 64-bit). Good luck! Real-time scanning can lock
The error message windivert driver cannot be installed you must restart your computer is technically accurate but often misleading. It implies that a simple restart will solve the problem, but for many users, the error persists even after they have restarted their computer multiple times.
Sometimes Windows locks the actual .sys file in your temporary folders, preventing the software from overwriting it. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box. Type %temp% and press .
Go to the official WinDivert GitHub repository or trusted release page. Download the latest stable binary package. When posting for help, always include any specific
By systematically working through these steps, you will clear the driver conflict and get your network application running smoothly without getting stuck in an infinite restart loop.
Some users report that "NordDivert" or similar modules in VPN apps conflict with standard WinDivert. Try closing your VPN entirely before launching your app.
Press the , type cmd , right-click Command Prompt , and select Run as administrator . It implies that a simple restart will solve
WinDivert is a legitimate, open-source user-mode packet interception library for Windows. It allows applications to capture, modify, or drop network packets. To achieve this, WinDivert relies on a kernel-level driver ( WinDivert.sys or WinDivert64.sys ).
If you are stuck in a loop where you restart your computer but still get this error, follow these steps in order:
When a program tells you to restart but restarting doesn't work, it means Windows has cached a broken service state. You can manually delete this service using the Command Prompt.
Last updated: June 2025 – Verified on Windows 11 23H2 and Windows 10 22H2.