How to Fix Driver Signature Enforcement Errors on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide

Driver Signature Enforcement is a security feature in Windows 11 that ensures only drivers with a valid digital signature can be installed. This helps protect your system from malicious or faulty drivers that could cause stability issues. However, sometimes you might encounter errors related to driver signature enforcement, especially when trying to install certain drivers.

Fixing these errors can be straightforward if you follow the right steps. This guide will walk you through the process in a clear, simple way, so even if you are not very tech-savvy, you can resolve this problem.

We will start with basic checks and move to more advanced solutions, explaining why each step matters. By the end, you should be able to install your drivers without any signature enforcement errors.

Let’s get started with some quick notes before diving into the fixes.

Quick Note

Before you begin, make sure of the following:

Your Windows 11 is up to date. Updates often fix bugs and improve driver compatibility.
You have administrative rights on your PC to make system changes.
The driver you want to install is from a trusted source. Installing unverified drivers can harm your system.
Backup your important files, just in case something goes wrong during system changes.

Step 1: Restart Windows 11 in Advanced Startup Mode

This step allows you to access special boot options where you can disable driver signature enforcement temporarily.

Click the Start button and select Settings.
Go to System > Recovery.
Under Advanced startup, click Restart now. Your PC will reboot into a special menu.
When the menu appears, choose Troubleshoot.
Select Advanced options.
Click Startup Settings, then click Restart.
After your PC restarts, you will see a list of options. Press 7 or F7 to select Disable driver signature enforcement.

Your PC will boot normally, but driver signature enforcement will be temporarily disabled. You can now try installing your driver again.

Step 2: Use the Command Prompt to Disable Driver Signature Enforcement Permanently

If you want to disable driver signature enforcement permanently (not recommended for everyday use), you can use this method. Keep in mind this lowers the security of your system.

Press Windows + S and type cmd.
Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:

bcdedit /set nointegritychecks on

This command disables driver signature enforcement permanently. To re-enable it later, use:

bcdedit /set nointegritychecks off

Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Step 3: Install the Driver in Test Mode

Windows 11 has a Test Mode that allows loading unsigned drivers for testing purposes. Here’s how to enable it:

Open Command Prompt as an administrator (see Step 2 for how to do this).
Type the following command and press Enter:

bcdedit /set testsigning on

Restart your computer. You will see “Test Mode” displayed on your desktop, indicating Windows is allowing unsigned drivers.

After installing the driver, you can disable Test Mode by running:

bcdedit /set testsigning off

And then restart your PC.

Step 4: Check Driver Compatibility and Windows Updates

Sometimes, driver signature errors occur because the driver is not compatible with Windows 11 or because your system needs updates.

Visit the official website of your hardware manufacturer to download the latest Windows 11 compatible driver.
Run Windows Update by going to Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates. Install all available updates.
Reboot your system and try installing the driver again.

Alternative Method: Use Device Manager to Install Drivers Manually

If driver signature enforcement blocks an automatic installation, you can try installing the driver manually:

Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
Find the device you want to update the driver for (it may have a yellow warning icon).
Right-click on the device and select Update driver.
Choose Browse my computer for drivers.
Select the folder where you downloaded the driver and follow the prompts.

This method sometimes bypasses signature enforcement if Windows already trusts components of the driver package.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is driver signature enforcement?

It is a security feature in Windows that only allows drivers with a verified digital signature to be installed, ensuring that drivers are from trusted sources.

Why does Windows 11 block some drivers?

Windows 11 blocks unsigned or improperly signed drivers to protect your system from potential harm caused by malicious or unstable drivers.

Is it safe to disable driver signature enforcement?

Disabling this feature reduces your system’s security and should only be done temporarily or if you trust the driver source completely.

Will disabling driver signature enforcement affect system stability?

It can, as unsigned drivers may cause crashes or other issues. Always ensure the drivers you install are compatible and from reputable sources.

Can I re-enable driver signature enforcement after disabling it?

Yes, you can re-enable it anytime using the commands mentioned in Step 2 or by restarting your PC normally.

What if I still get errors after trying these steps?

The driver might not be compatible with Windows 11 or there could be other system issues. Consider contacting the hardware manufacturer for support.

When Nothing Works

If none of the above methods resolve your driver signature enforcement error, consider the following final options:

Contact the hardware manufacturer for an updated or properly signed driver.
Visit the Microsoft Support website for more help.
Consider rolling back to a previous Windows version if the issue started after an update (use with caution).
Use System Restore to go back to a point before the driver installation issues began.

Conclusion

Driver signature enforcement errors in Windows 11 can be frustrating, but they are usually fixable by following simple steps. Restarting in Advanced Startup Mode to disable enforcement temporarily is often the quickest fix. For more permanent solutions, using command-line tools to disable or enable test modes helps. Always ensure your drivers are from trusted sources and compatible with Windows 11 to avoid these problems. If all else fails, reaching out to official support channels or using Windows recovery options can help restore your system’s stability.

By understanding why driver signature enforcement exists and how to safely manage it, you can keep your Windows 11 system both secure and running smoothly.