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How to Fix Test Signing Mode Not Working in Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide

Test Signing Mode in Windows 11 allows users to install and run drivers that are not digitally signed by Microsoft. It is especially useful for developers and advanced users who need to test unsigned drivers safely.

Sometimes, users encounter issues where Test Signing Mode does not activate or work as expected. This can prevent the installation of critical drivers or delay troubleshooting efforts.

Fixing this issue involves checking system settings, ensuring proper commands are used, and sometimes adjusting security features.

This guide will walk you through simple to advanced steps to get Test Signing Mode working on your Windows 11 PC.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Checks

  • Administrator Access: You need to run commands and make system changes with administrator privileges.
  • Secure Boot Status: Test Signing Mode might not work if Secure Boot is enabled. Check your BIOS settings.
  • Windows Version: Ensure your Windows 11 is updated, as some updates affect driver signing policies.
  • System Backup: Before making changes, create a restore point or backup important data to avoid data loss.

Step 1: Verify Test Signing Mode Status

Before troubleshooting, check if Test Signing Mode is currently enabled or disabled.

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
  2. Type cmd and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open Command Prompt as administrator.
  3. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
bcdedit /enum

Look for the line testsigning. If it says Yes, Test Signing Mode is active. If it says No, it is disabled.

Step 2: Enable Test Signing Mode Using Command Prompt

If Test Signing Mode is disabled, you can enable it with this command:

bcdedit /set testsigning on

After running this command, restart your computer. Test Signing Mode should now be active.

Why this matters: The Boot Configuration Data (BCD) controls how Windows boots. Enabling testsigning tells Windows to allow unsigned drivers during startup.

Step 3: Disable Secure Boot in BIOS

If Test Signing Mode still doesn’t work, Secure Boot might be preventing it. Secure Boot is a security feature that only allows signed software to run during boot.

To disable Secure Boot:

  1. Restart your PC and enter BIOS/UEFI settings. This usually involves pressing keys like F2, Del, or Esc during startup.
  2. Navigate to the Security or Boot tab.
  3. Find the Secure Boot option and set it to Disabled.
  4. Save changes and exit BIOS.

Note: Disabling Secure Boot reduces some security protections, so only disable it if necessary and understand the risks.

Step 4: Use Advanced Boot Options to Enable Test Signing

If command prompt methods fail, you can try enabling Test Signing Mode through Windows advanced startup options.

  1. Open Settings and go to System > Recovery.
  2. Under Advanced startup, click Restart now.
  3. After restart, choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
  4. In the Command Prompt, enter:
bcdedit /set testsigning on

Restart your PC normally afterward.

Alternative Method: Using PowerShell

If you prefer PowerShell, you can enable Test Signing Mode with these steps:

  1. Right-click the Start button and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).
  2. Enter the following command:
bcdedit /set testsigning on

Restart your PC to apply changes.

Step 5: Check Driver Signature Enforcement Status

Sometimes, Driver Signature Enforcement can interfere with Test Signing Mode.

To temporarily disable Driver Signature Enforcement:

  1. Restart your PC and enter Advanced Startup (as explained above).
  2. Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings.
  3. Click Restart.
  4. After restart, press 7 or F7 to Disable driver signature enforcement.

This allows installation of unsigned drivers temporarily. Remember, this setting resets after reboot.

FAQs

Why do I need Test Signing Mode on Windows 11?

Test Signing Mode allows Windows to run unsigned drivers, which is essential for testing or installing drivers that are not officially signed by Microsoft.

Is it safe to use Test Signing Mode?

Using Test Signing Mode can reduce system security because it allows unsigned code. Only enable it if you trust the source of the drivers.

Why doesn’t Test Signing Mode stay enabled after reboot?

Sometimes system policies or security features like Secure Boot disable testsigning at boot. Disabling Secure Boot or correctly setting BCD entries can fix this.

Can I enable Test Signing Mode without disabling Secure Boot?

Usually, Secure Boot prevents Test Signing Mode from working. Disabling Secure Boot in BIOS is generally required.

How do I know if Test Signing Mode is active?

When Test Signing Mode is active, you will see a watermark on your desktop that says “Test Mode Windows 11 Build…”

What if I want to disable Test Signing Mode later?

Run this command in an elevated Command Prompt and reboot:

bcdedit /set testsigning off

When Nothing Works

If Test Signing Mode still does not work after following all these steps, consider the following:

  • Check for Windows Updates: Some system updates can fix driver signing issues.
  • Reset Boot Configuration Data: You can rebuild BCD using recovery tools, but this is advanced and should be done carefully.
  • Consult Microsoft Support: Visit the official Windows support page for more help.
  • Use Virtual Machines: Test unsigned drivers in a VM to prevent affecting your main system.

Conclusion

Test Signing Mode is a useful feature for developers and advanced users dealing with unsigned drivers on Windows 11. Ensuring it works involves enabling it through the BCD, managing Secure Boot settings, and sometimes temporarily disabling driver signature enforcement.

Always proceed with caution, understanding the security implications. By following this step-by-step guide, you should be able to fix common issues preventing Test Signing Mode from functioning properly.

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