are you trying to run when this error pops up?

Many modern VPNs and traffic-shaping tools use WinDivert because it is faster and more stable than older methods (like TAP adapters).

This is not usually a problem with the software you are trying to install (the "top" layer application), but rather a conflict within the Windows Network Subsystem or a "stuck" driver state.

: Ensure the application using WinDivert (like GoodbyeDPI or a VPN) is being Run as Administrator .

A: No, WinDivert itself is not a virus. It is a legitimate open-source tool. However, it is a "dual-use" tool; while it's used in beneficial applications like firewalls and network filters, its capabilities are also attractive to malware creators. Antivirus programs may flag it because of this association, not because of any inherent malicious code.

The WinDivert driver cannot be installed error is rarely an unsolvable problem. In most cases, a simple restart or a clean reinstallation will fix it. When those steps fail, the issue is usually related to one of the core security features we've outlined. Use the troubleshooting table to match the error you're seeing with its probable cause, and then follow the corresponding step-by-step guide.

Select and add the directory where your application (and its accompanying WinDivert DLL/SYS files) is installed. 4. Clear Temporary Driver Files from System32