Often, the fix is as simple as clearing a temporary conflict.
Are you using a specific program like or a custom script when this happens? WinDivert not working on Windows 10 20H2 #253 - GitHub
WinDivert (Windows Packet Divert) is a powerful, legitimate user-mode packet interception utility. When an application tries to start WinDivert, it dynamically installs a temporary kernel-mode driver. If that driver fails to register, clean up properly, or conflicts with security software, your application crashes. Often, the fix is as simple as clearing a temporary conflict
Even worse, restarting your computer often fails to fix the problem, leaving you stuck in a loop.
This message typically appears when launching network manipulation tools—such as VPN clients (ProtonVPN, Windscribe), packet sniffers (Wireshark with WinDivert), proxy tools (mitmproxy, SocksEscort), or gaming VPNs (ExitLag, NoPing). The error halts the driver installation, preventing the application from functioning. When an application tries to start WinDivert, it
Behind the scenes, Windows maintains a registry flag that blocks new driver installations if a system restart is pending—often from Windows Update. The error message is actually Windows’ way of saying: “Finish your updates before I load new drivers.”
Type the following command to delete the driver registry entry completely and press : sc delete windivert Use code with caution. right-click on Command Prompt
Press the , type cmd , right-click on Command Prompt , and select Run as administrator .
Then restart your PC.
WinDivert requires to load its driver into the Windows kernel. If the application using WinDivert (like GoodbyeDPI or a VPN) is not run as an admin, it will trigger an installation failure. 3. Clear Registry Corruptions
Because WinDivert can intercept and modify network traffic, many security systems flag it as a False Positive or block its driver signature.