On Windows 11, it’s possible to disable “driver signature enforcement” to install unsigned drivers using the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). The driver signature enforcement is a security feature that locks down the system and only allows the use of drivers that have been signed by Microsoft.
It’s always recommended to verify the integrity of the code and identity of the publisher to ensure the package has not been modified. However, sometimes, when you may need to install an older version of a driver from a trusted source, a device that may not have a signed driver from its manufacturer, or test a custom unsigned driver.
Regardless of the reason, Windows 11 includes at least two ways to disable the signature enforcement to install unsigned drivers using the recovery settings during startup.
This guide will teach you the steps to disable signature enforcement to allow the installation of unsigned drivers on Windows 11.
Disable driver signature enforcement on Windows 11
To disable signature enforcement on Windows 11, use these steps:
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Open Settings on Windows 11.
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Click on System.
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Click the Recovery tab.
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Under the “Recovery options” section, click the Restart now button for the “Advanced startup” setting.
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Click on Troubleshoot.
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Click on Advanced options.
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Click on Startup Settings.
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Click the Restart button.
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Press F7 or the 7 key to select the Disable driver signature enforcement option.
Once you complete the steps, Windows 11 will boot normally, but with the signature enforcement feature turned off, allowing you to install unsigned drivers on the computer. After the installation, during the next reboot, the driver signature enforcement will enable once again, and you’ll need to repeat the instructions to install another driver (if applicable).
You may also use the “bcdedit /set testsigning on” command to disable the security feature. However, since Windows 11 requires secure boot enabled, you will encounter an error running the command.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].