How to Disable Driver Signature Enforcement in Windows

In Windows, driver signature enforcement is a security feature designed to prevent the installation of unverified software. However, there are instances where you might need to install unsigned drivers. This guide covers several methods to temporarily or permanently disable driver signature enforcement.

What is Driver Signature Enforcement?

Driver signature enforcement ensures that drivers are certified by the developer and verified by Microsoft. This feature protects the system from potentially harmful drivers that could compromise security or stability.

Methods to Disable Driver Signature Enforcement

Method 1: Disable via Startup Settings

  1. Open Settings in Windows and go to Update & Security.
  2. Select Recovery, then click Restart now under the Advanced startup section.
  3. After your PC restarts, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings.
  4. Click Restart, then select Disable driver signature enforcement (usually option 7 or F7).

This will disable driver signature enforcement until you restart the system.

Method 2: Using Command Prompt

  1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator (press Win + X and select Command Prompt (Admin)).
  2. Enter the following commands one by one: 
    bcdedit /set loadoptions DISABLE_INTEGRITY_CHECKS
    bcdedit /set TESTSIGNING ON
  3. Restart your computer to apply the changes.

Your system will now operate in test mode, allowing unsigned drivers to be installed.

Method 3: Disabling Enforcement via Local Group Policy (Windows Pro and Enterprise only)

  1. Open Local Group Policy Editor by pressing Win + R and typing gpedit.msc.
  2. Go to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Driver Installation.
  3. Double-click on Code signing for device drivers, select Disabled, and click OK.
  4. Restart your computer to apply the changes.

This method is only available for Windows Pro and Enterprise editions and will permanently disable driver signature enforcement.