Ensure WinDivert.dll , WinDivert.sys , and WinDivert.inf are all in the same folder as your application. On 64-bit systems, you often need both WinDivert32.sys and WinDivert64.sys available.
typically occurs when a previous version of the driver is stuck in memory or a service entry is blocking a new installation 1. Remove the Existing Service
Open Command Prompt as an Administrator and run these commands one by one: sc stop windivert sc delete windivert Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard
Type the following command and hit Enter: sc stop windivert (It’s okay if it says the service isn't running.) Type this command and hit Enter: sc delete windivert Ensure WinDivert
Hold down the while clicking Restart in the Windows Start Menu.
A previous instance of the WinDivert driver did not unload correctly. Windows marks the service for deletion, but locks it until the next reboot.
// Attempt to load WinDivert here // WinDivertOpen("...", ...) Remove the Existing Service Open Command Prompt as
If a previous instance of the driver is stuck in the Windows kernel, the system will prevent a new version from installing. You can force-delete it using the Command Prompt.
The frustrating part? Often, restarting your computer doesn’t actually fix it. This error usually stems from a driver conflict, leftover files from a previous installation, or Windows security blocking the driver from loading.
Antivirus programs frequently trigger false positives on WinDivert because packet injection techniques mimic behaviors used by malicious network tools. Open from your taskbar or Start menu. Windows marks the service for deletion, but locks
If you are using an older tool or a custom-compiled version of WinDivert, Windows 10 and Windows 11 will block it by default.
: If the error persists after a restart, there may be a stale registry entry. Navigate to: