How to Resolve Windows Requires A Digitally Signed Driver Error

Jul. 07, 2023 / Updated by Eloise to Windows Driver Solutions

Driver integrity and checksums are guaranteed by digitally signed drivers from their suppliers, ensuring that the driver file being installed hasn't undergone any changes that haven't already been authorized or updated by the signing authority. When Windows blocks the installation of a driver because it lacks a digital signature, the message "Windows requires a digitally signed driver" will pop up. This is a security feature of Windows that aims to protect your system from malicious or incompatible drivers. However, it is not a difficult problem, we will show you three easy ways to get away from it. Click here to check how to fix Error Code 52 - Windows Cannot Verify the Digital Signature and Error 0xc0000428 - Windows Cannot Verify the Digital Signature for This File.

Way 1: Install the Needed Driver Within Simple Clicks

Way 2: Enter Windows Test Mode

Way 3: Disable Driver Signing

Way 1: Install the Needed Driver Within Simple Clicks

If you are concerned that there may be operational mistakes since you are not particularly familiar with how a computer works, a specialized driver updater software like Driver Talent which supports scanning your system for outdated, missing, corrupted, or unsigned drivers and downloading and installing the best-matched ones for you. It can also backup and restore your drivers in case of any problems. Here's how to install the needed driver with Driver Talent.

Step 1: Download and install Driver Talent on your computer.

Download Driver Talent

Step 2: Run this software and click Scan to detect any driver issues on your system.

Step 3: If there is any driver that needs to be updated or installed, click Update or Install to download and install it automatically.

Step 4: Restart your computer to make the changes effective.

Way 2: Enter Windows Test Mode

Another way to resolve the error is to enter Windows test mode, which allows you to load unsigned drivers without verification. Please note that this is a temporary solution for testing a driver or device that lacks a digital signature. It does, however, means that your system will be less secure and more exposed to potential threats. Therefore, you should only use this approach when absolutely required, and exit the test mode as quickly as possible.

Step 1: Type cmd in the search bar and select Run as administrator to open Command Prompt with administrative privilege.

Step 2: Enter the command bcdedit /set testsigning on in the Command Prompt window and press Enter to enable test mode.

Step 3: Restart your computer and you will see a watermark saying Test Mode on the bottom right corner of your screen and now you can install the unsigned driver without any error.

Step 4: To exit the test mode, repeat steps 1-3 but type the command bcdedit /set testsigning off instead.

Way 3: Disable Driver Signing

The final option is to completely disable driver signing. In this case, Windows will not verify any driver's digital signature, allowing you to install any driver you like. But we do not advise applying this method unless you are extremely certain about the source and quality of the drivers you want to install. If you are unsure, it may expose your system to unstable or malicious drivers, which could result in major issues or harm. If you are uncertain, doing so could expose your system to unstable or malicious drivers, which could result in serious issues or harm. Below are detailed instructions:

Step 1: Press Windows + I keys to open Settings.

Step 2: Click Update & Security and then Recovery.

Step 3: Under Advanced startup, click Restartnow.

Step 4: After your computer restarts, choose Troubleshoot and then Advanced options.

Step 5: Choose Startup Settings and then click Restart.

Step 6: After your computer restarts again, press F7 key to select Disable driver signature enforcement.

Step 7: To enable driver signing again, repeat steps 1-6 but press F8 key instead.

The above three methods will enable you to install the necessary drivers on your system and fix the issue that Windows requires digitally signed drivers. We sincerely hope you found this information to be useful. If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to leave a comment below.

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