Enable Unsigned Drivers Install On Windows 10: A How-To Guide

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Hey guys! Ever tried installing Windows 10 and run into that pesky issue where it won't let you install unsigned drivers? It can be a real headache, especially when you've got some essential hardware that needs specific drivers. In the good old days of Windows 7, you could just hit F8 during setup and force the installation of unsigned drivers. But, things have changed a bit with Windows 10, and that trusty F8 trick doesn't seem to work anymore. So, what's a tech enthusiast to do? Let's dive into the ways you can enable unsigned driver installation during Windows 10 setup.

Why This Matters

Before we get into the how-to, let's quickly chat about why this is even important. You might be thinking, "Why would I want to install unsigned drivers anyway?" Well, there are a few scenarios where this becomes crucial.

  • Legacy Hardware: Sometimes, older hardware doesn't have digitally signed drivers, but it still works perfectly fine. If you're trying to keep some older equipment running on a newer system, you'll need to install unsigned drivers.
  • Custom or Beta Drivers: Maybe you're a developer, or you're testing out some beta drivers that haven't been officially signed yet. In these cases, you'll need to bypass the driver signature enforcement.
  • Specific Hardware Requirements: Certain specialized hardware might only come with unsigned drivers, especially if it's niche or custom-built. For example, some high-end audio interfaces or specialized network cards might fall into this category.

So, you see, there are valid reasons why you might need to install unsigned drivers. Now, let's get to the solutions!

Method 1: Using Advanced Startup Options

One of the most reliable ways to enable unsigned driver installation in Windows 10 is through the Advanced Startup Options. This method involves restarting your computer in a special mode that allows you to modify boot settings. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Restart Your Computer: Click on the Start menu, then go to Power and select Restart. But don't just let it restart normally!
  2. Hold the Shift Key: As your computer restarts, hold down the Shift key. This is the magic trick to get into the Advanced Startup Options.
  3. Choose Troubleshoot: Once the Advanced Startup Options menu appears, you'll see several options. Click on Troubleshoot.
  4. Select Advanced Options: In the Troubleshoot menu, click on Advanced Options. This will give you a list of more specific tools.
  5. Go to Startup Settings: Now, click on Startup Settings. This is where you can modify how Windows starts up.
  6. Restart Again: You'll see a message telling you that you can change startup options, including disabling driver signature enforcement. Click the Restart button.
  7. Press 7 or F7: After the restart, you'll see a list of startup options. Press either the 7 key or the F7 key to select "Disable driver signature enforcement." This will allow you to install unsigned drivers.

Your computer will now boot into Windows with driver signature enforcement disabled. This means you can install those unsigned drivers you need. Keep in mind that this is a temporary setting, and it will revert to normal the next time you restart your computer. So, make sure you install all the necessary drivers in this session.

Why This Method Works

This method works by modifying the boot process to bypass the driver signature check. Windows normally requires drivers to have a digital signature to ensure they haven't been tampered with and are safe to install. By disabling this enforcement, you're telling Windows to trust the drivers regardless of their signature status. It's a bit like saying, "Hey Windows, I know what I'm doing, trust me on this one!"

Potential Caveats

While this method is generally safe, there are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Temporary Setting: As mentioned earlier, this setting is temporary. The next time you restart your computer, driver signature enforcement will be enabled again. This is a good security feature, but it also means you'll need to repeat these steps if you need to install more unsigned drivers in the future.
  • Security Risks: Disabling driver signature enforcement does come with some security risks. You're essentially telling Windows to trust drivers without verifying their authenticity. This could potentially allow malicious drivers to be installed. So, make sure you only install drivers from sources you trust.

Method 2: Using the Command Prompt

If you're comfortable with the command line, there's another way to disable driver signature enforcement using the Command Prompt. This method is a bit more technical, but it's also quite effective. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Access Advanced Startup Options: Follow steps 1-5 from Method 1 to get to the Advanced Options menu.
  2. Open Command Prompt: In the Advanced Options menu, click on Command Prompt. This will open a command-line interface.
  3. Enter the Command: Type the following command and press Enter:

bcdedit /set testsigning on ``` This command tells Windows to enable test signing mode, which allows unsigned drivers to be installed. 4. Close Command Prompt: After the command is executed, close the Command Prompt window. 5. Continue to Windows: Click on the arrow in the top-left corner to go back to the Choose an option screen, then click Continue to start Windows normally.

Your computer will now boot into Windows with test signing mode enabled. You'll likely see a watermark on your desktop indicating that test mode is enabled. This is normal and just a reminder that you're running in a special configuration.

Why This Method Works

The bcdedit command is a powerful tool that allows you to modify the Boot Configuration Data (BCD) store. This store contains the settings that Windows uses to boot up. By setting testsigning to on, you're telling Windows to allow drivers that haven't been officially signed. It's like giving Windows a special permission slip to install those unsigned drivers.

Reversing the Change

If you want to disable test signing mode and go back to the default behavior, you can use the same method but with a slightly different command:

  1. Open Command Prompt: Follow steps 1-2 above to open the Command Prompt.
  2. Enter the Command: Type the following command and press Enter:

bcdedit /set testsigning off ``` This command disables test signing mode. 3. Restart Your Computer: Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

The watermark will disappear, and Windows will go back to enforcing driver signatures.

Potential Caveats

  • Watermark: As mentioned, you'll see a watermark on your desktop when test signing mode is enabled. This can be a bit annoying, but it's just a visual reminder that you're in a special mode.
  • Security Risks: Just like with Method 1, disabling driver signature enforcement comes with security risks. Make sure you only install drivers from trusted sources.
  • Compatibility: In rare cases, enabling test signing mode can cause compatibility issues with certain software. If you encounter any problems, you can always disable test signing mode as described above.

Method 3: Group Policy Editor (For Professional and Enterprise Editions)

If you're running Windows 10 Professional or Enterprise, you have access to the Group Policy Editor, which provides another way to disable driver signature enforcement. This method is particularly useful if you need to make the change more permanent, although it's still recommended to enable signature enforcement once you've installed your drivers.

  1. Open Group Policy Editor: Press the Windows key, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter. This will open the Local Group Policy Editor.
  2. Navigate to Driver Signing: In the left pane, navigate to the following path:
    User Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Driver Installation
  3. Disable Driver Signature Enforcement: In the right pane, find the setting named "Code signing for device drivers." Double-click on it to open its properties.
  4. Select Disabled: In the properties window, select the Disabled option. This will disable driver signature enforcement for your user account.
  5. Apply and OK: Click Apply and then OK to save the changes.

Why This Method Works

The Group Policy Editor allows you to configure various system settings, including driver signature enforcement. By disabling the "Code signing for device drivers" policy, you're telling Windows to bypass the signature check for drivers. This is a more permanent setting than Method 1 but less so than Method 2, as it's specific to the user account and can be easily reverted.

Potential Caveats

  • Editions Limitation: This method only works on Windows 10 Professional and Enterprise editions. If you're running Windows 10 Home, you won't have access to the Group Policy Editor.
  • User-Specific: The setting applies only to the user account under which you made the change. Other user accounts on the same computer will still have driver signature enforcement enabled.
  • Security Risks: As with the other methods, disabling driver signature enforcement comes with security risks. Only install drivers from trusted sources.

Staying Safe While Installing Unsigned Drivers

Okay, so you know how to enable unsigned driver installation, but it's super important to stay safe while doing it. Installing drivers without proper signatures can open your system to vulnerabilities, so here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Only Install Drivers from Trusted Sources: This is the golden rule. Only download and install drivers from the hardware manufacturer's official website or a trusted source. Avoid downloading drivers from third-party websites or file-sharing platforms, as they might contain malware.
  • Scan the Driver Files: Before installing any driver, scan the files with a reputable antivirus program. This can help detect any malicious software that might be lurking in the driver package.
  • Create a System Restore Point: Before making any major changes to your system, such as installing unsigned drivers, create a system restore point. This allows you to revert your system to a previous state if something goes wrong.
  • Enable Driver Signature Enforcement Afterward: Once you've installed the necessary unsigned drivers, re-enable driver signature enforcement using the methods described above. This will help protect your system from future security threats.

Conclusion

Enabling unsigned driver installation in Windows 10 can be a bit tricky, but it's definitely doable. Whether you choose to use the Advanced Startup Options, the Command Prompt, or the Group Policy Editor, you now have the tools to get those drivers installed. Just remember to stay safe and only install drivers from trusted sources. Happy driver installing, and may your hardware run smoothly!