Error Code 52: Unable to Verify Driver Digital Signature – Troubleshooting Guide

Error code 52 is a common issue in Windows that occurs when the system cannot verify a driver’s digital signature. This can prevent drivers from being installed or used, as Windows blocks unsigned drivers by default to enhance security. If you trust the driver source, there are ways to bypass this restriction.

Causes of Error Code 52

Error code 52 can be triggered by several factors, such as:

  • Using an unsigned or outdated driver.
  • Conflicts between devices or outdated hardware.
  • Windows update errors that interfere with digital signature verification.

How to Fix Error Code 52

1. Disable Driver Signature Enforcement

If the driver is safe but lacks an official signature, you can temporarily disable signature enforcement using safe mode. Follow these steps:

  1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
  2. Select Restart now under Advanced startup.
  3. After the restart, choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings.
  4. Press F7 to disable driver signature enforcement.

Now, reinstall the driver. Once it’s installed, restart your PC to return to normal security mode.

2. Install Driver in Compatibility Mode

For older devices, compatibility mode may resolve installation issues:

  1. Right-click the driver’s setup file and select Properties.
  2. Go to the Compatibility tab, check Run this program in compatibility mode, and choose an older Windows version (like Windows 7 or 8).
  3. Try running the installation again.

3. Run System File Checker (SFC)

System file corruption can also prevent driver signature verification. To check for corrupted files, use SFC:

  1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
  2. Enter sfc /scannow and press Enter.
  3. Allow the scan to complete, then restart your computer.

4. Update or Reinstall the Driver

Updating or reinstalling the driver might resolve the issue:

  1. Open Device Manager and locate the problematic device.
  2. Right-click on the device and choose Update driver or Uninstall device (then restart your PC to reinstall).