Navigate to the folder where your application (e.g., Tallow) is located.
Sometimes the driver file gets locked in the Windows system folders, preventing the application from replacing it with the correct version.
Despite what the error prompt claims,
Open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Manage settings > Exclusions . Add the entire folder containing your WinDivert application to the exclusion list.
Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\ . Search for any file named windivert.sys or windivert64.sys . Navigate to the folder where your application (e
Attempting to load a 32-bit driver on a 64-bit system, or missing the .sys file in the application directory.
While the error message suggests a restart, a standard Windows 10/11 "Shutdown" often doesn't actually stop the driver if "Fast Startup" is enabled.
If a previous session crashed, the WinDivert service might be stuck in a "stop-pending" or corrupted state. You need to force-delete it.
Even after restarting, many users find themselves stuck in a loop where the driver fails to install or load properly. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding why this happens and how to fix it permanently. What Causes the WinDivert Driver Installation Error? Add the entire folder containing your WinDivert application
Which (e.g., Windows 10 or Windows 11) are you using?
: A previous version of the driver is still active in memory or improperly registered in the Windows Service Control Manager.
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If you are using software like X-VPN or GoodbyeDPI , try uninstalling them entirely, restarting, and then performing a clean reinstallation. Attempting to load a 32-bit driver on a
Add the folder containing your application to the exclusion list. 5. Disable Driver Signature Enforcement
The "WinDivert driver cannot be installed, you must restart your computer" error is rarely caused by a single problem. Instead, it's an umbrella message pointing to a conflict between the driver and your Windows security environment. Understanding which specific roadblock you're facing is the first step to clearing it. Here are the most frequent culprits:
Right-click the executable file (e.g., tallow.exe ) and select Run as administrator . 5. Disable Driver Signature Enforcement (If Necessary)
If you have encountered the error message (or similar errors referencing WinDivert failure), you are likely trying to use a network filtering application, VPN, or anti-censorship tool like Tallow.
Upon the next boot, select option 7: .