In today’s digital era, ensuring the trustworthiness and security of the software installed on our devices is of utmost importance. However, sometimes Windows users may encounter a pop-up error message stating “Windows cannot verify the publisher of this driver software.” This article aims to shed light on the causes behind this issue and provide users with effective solutions to overcome it. By following the recommended steps, users can ensure the safe installation and use of driver software on their Windows operating systems.
Understanding The “Windows Cannot Verify The Publisher” Error Message
The error message “Windows Cannot Verify the Publisher” is a common issue faced by many Windows users when they try to install or update driver software on their computers. This error occurs when Windows is unable to verify the digital signature of the driver software, which is a security measure put in place to ensure that the driver comes from a trusted source.
When Windows cannot verify the publisher of the driver software, it displays a warning message to the user, indicating the potential risks involved in installing the driver. This error is prevalent mainly when installing unsigned or improperly signed drivers.
Understanding the nature of this error is crucial for troubleshooting and resolving the issue. By knowing the causes and methods to overcome this error, users can effectively resolve the “Windows Cannot Verify the Publisher” problem and ensure their drivers are installed securely and without any security risks.
Common Causes Of The “Windows Cannot Verify The Publisher” Error
The error message “Windows Cannot Verify the Publisher of This Driver Software” can occur due to various reasons. Understanding these common causes can help you troubleshoot the issue more effectively.
One of the primary causes is outdated or incompatible driver software. If the driver you are trying to install is not digitally signed or does not have a valid digital signature, Windows will not be able to verify the publisher. Another common cause is when you download drivers from untrusted or unreliable sources, as Windows may perceive them as potentially harmful and refuse to install them.
Driver signature enforcement settings can also trigger this error message. If driver signature verification is temporarily or permanently disabled on your system, Windows will not be able to verify the publisher.
Lastly, system corruption or conflicts with other software can also lead to this error. If there are any issues with your operating system files or if there is another program interfering with the driver installation process, you may encounter the “Windows Cannot Verify the Publisher” error.
Identifying the specific cause of the error will help you choose the appropriate solution to fix it.
Method 1: Enabling Driver Signature Verification In Windows
Enabling driver signature verification in Windows is a simple yet effective method to solve the “Windows Cannot Verify the Publisher” error. This error message occurs when Windows is unable to verify the authenticity of a driver, usually due to the absence of a valid digital signature. By enabling driver signature verification, you allow Windows to check the validity of drivers before installing them.
To enable driver signature verification, follow these steps:
1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “gpedit.msc” and press Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.
3. In the Group Policy Editor, navigate to “User Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Driver Installation > Code signing for drivers.”
4. Double-click on “Code signing for drivers” and select “Enabled.”
5. Under “Options,” select “Ignore.”
6. Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes.
Enabling driver signature verification will ensure that Windows can verify the publisher of driver software, preventing the “Windows Cannot Verify the Publisher” error. Remember to restart your computer after making these changes for the settings to take effect.
Method 2: Installing An Unsigned Driver In Test Mode
Installing unsigned drivers can be a hassle since Windows is designed to prioritize security. However, if you trust the driver’s source and want to proceed with its installation, you can try enabling Test Mode in Windows. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Press the Windows key + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” to open an elevated Command Prompt window.
2. In the Command Prompt, type “bcdedit /set TESTSIGNING ON” (without quotes) and press Enter. This command enables Test Mode in Windows, allowing you to install unsigned drivers.
3. Restart your computer to apply the changes. Upon startup, you will see “Test Mode” text on the bottom right corner of your desktop.
4. Now, you can proceed with installing the unsigned driver. Right-click on the driver’s setup file, select “Run as administrator,” and follow the on-screen instructions.
It’s essential to remember that enabling Test Mode reduces the security measures of your system. Therefore, it’s advisable to disable Test Mode after finishing the driver installation. To do this, open an elevated Command Prompt and type “bcdedit /set TESTSIGNING OFF” (without quotes), then restart your computer.
By following this method, you can install unsigned drivers in Test Mode and resolve the “Windows Cannot Verify the Publisher” error.
Method 3: Using The Group Policy Editor To Enable Installation Of Unsigned Drivers
Enabling installation of unsigned drivers can be done using the Group Policy Editor. However, this method is only applicable to Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions. Here is a step-by-step guide to using the Group Policy Editor:
1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box, then type “gpedit.msc” and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to “User Configuration” > “Administrative Templates” > “System” > “Driver Installation” > “Code signing for device drivers”.
3. Double-click on “Code signing for device drivers” to open its properties.
4. Select the “Enabled” option, then choose “Ignore” from the dropdown menu for “When Windows detects an unsigned driver”.
5. Click on “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes.
By enabling this option, Windows will allow the installation of unsigned drivers without displaying the “Windows Cannot Verify the Publisher” error message. However, it is important to exercise caution when installing unsigned drivers, as they may not have undergone the same level of testing and verification as signed drivers.
Method 4: Updating/Reinstalling The Problematic Driver
Updating or reinstalling the problematic driver can help solve the “Windows Cannot Verify the Publisher” error. Sometimes, the error message appears due to an outdated or corrupt driver.
To update the driver, follow these steps:
1. Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard and select Device Manager from the menu.
2. In the Device Manager window, locate the device that is causing the error.
3. Right-click on the device and select Update driver.
4. Choose the option to search automatically for updated driver software.
5. Windows will search online for the latest driver for your device and install it.
If updating the driver doesn’t resolve the issue, you can try reinstalling the driver by following these steps:
1. In the Device Manager window, right-click on the problematic device and select Uninstall device.
2. Tick the box that says “Delete the driver software for this device” and click Uninstall.
3. Restart your computer.
4. After the restart, Windows will automatically reinstall the driver.
By updating or reinstalling the problematic driver, you can ensure that it is up to date and working properly, reducing the chances of encountering the “Windows Cannot Verify the Publisher” error.
Method 5: Manually Trusting The Unsigned Driver
If you encounter the “Windows Cannot Verify the Publisher” error when trying to install a specific driver, manually trusting the driver can be an effective solution. By manually trusting the unsigned driver, you essentially acknowledge that you trust the source of the driver and want to proceed with the installation. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Start by downloading the driver from a trusted source. Ensure that the source is reputable and the driver is compatible with your operating system.
2. Right-click on the downloaded driver file and select “Properties” from the context menu.
3. In the Properties window, go to the “Digital Signatures” tab.
4. In the signature list, select the signature and click on the “Details” button.
5. In the Digital Signature Details window, click on the “View Certificate” button.
6. In the Certificate window, click on the “Install Certificate” button.
7. Follow the prompts in the Certificate Import Wizard to install the certificate.
8. Once the certificate is installed, restart your computer and try installing the driver again. Windows should now trust the publisher of the driver and allow the installation.
Keep in mind that manually trusting an unsigned driver comes with some risks, as it bypasses the default security checks. Ensure that you only perform this method if you are confident in the source of the driver and trust it completely.
Troubleshooting Additional Issues Related To The “Windows Cannot Verify The Publisher” Error
If you are still encountering the “Windows Cannot Verify the Publisher” error message even after trying the previous methods, there might be some additional issues causing the problem. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve them:
1. Check for driver compatibility: Make sure that the driver you are trying to install is compatible with your operating system version. Visit the manufacturer’s website to download the latest version specifically designed for your system.
2. Disable antivirus or security software: In some cases, antivirus or other security software may interfere with driver installations. Temporarily disable these programs and try installing the driver again.
3. Run a system file check: Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run the “sfc /scannow” command. This will scan for any corrupt system files and automatically fix them if possible.
4. Perform a clean boot: A clean boot allows you to start your computer with only essential services and drivers. This can help identify any conflicting software causing the “Windows Cannot Verify the Publisher” error. Follow the instructions from Microsoft to perform a clean boot.
By following these troubleshooting steps, you can eliminate any additional issues that may be preventing the successful installation of the driver and resolve the “Windows Cannot Verify the Publisher” error.
FAQ
1. What does the error message “Windows cannot verify the publisher of this driver software” mean?
The error message “Windows cannot verify the publisher of this driver software” typically appears when you are trying to install a driver that hasn’t been digitally signed by a trusted publisher. Windows requires drivers to be digitally signed by a verified publisher to ensure their authenticity and protect against potentially malicious software.
2. How can I resolve the “Windows cannot verify the publisher” error?
To resolve the “Windows cannot verify the publisher of this driver software” error, you have a few options. First, make sure that you are downloading the driver from a trusted source. If you are confident in the integrity of the driver, you can proceed with the installation by disabling the driver signature enforcement feature temporarily. Another option is to check if there is an updated and signed version of the driver available from the manufacturer’s website. Lastly, you can contact the driver or hardware manufacturer for support and assistance in resolving the issue.
3. Is it safe to install unsigned driver software on Windows?
Installing unsigned driver software on Windows can potentially pose security risks as it bypasses the system’s verification process. Unsigned drivers are not guaranteed to be safe or stable, and they might not have undergone rigorous testing. It is recommended to only install drivers that have been digitally signed by trusted publishers to ensure the security and stability of your system.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, encountering the error message “Windows cannot verify the publisher of this driver software” can be frustrating, but there are several solutions available. By following the steps outlined in this article, such as disabling driver signature enforcement, using the Device Manager, or updating Windows, users can effectively solve this issue and ensure the safe installation of driver software. It is important to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of driver software before proceeding, as this can help maintain the security and stability of the operating system.