Driver Signature Enforcement
Driver Signature Enforcement is a security feature built into Windows operating systems that ensures all drivers installed are digitally signed by Microsoft. Guide to Fixing Driver Signature Enforcement Errors. This signature acts like a seal of authenticity proving that the driver hasnt been tampered with and is from a verified source.
Windows wont allow unsigned drivers to load in 64-bit versions of the OS, making DSE a critical layer of defense against malicious or unstable code.
Driver Signature Enforcement Cause Errors
While designed to protect users, DSE can sometimes backfire especially if youre installing:
Older hardware drivers without signatures.
Custom or beta drivers.
Drivers from third-party or unofficial sources.
When DSE blocks these drivers, you’ll typically see error messages like
This driver has been blocked from loading.
Common Scenarios Where Driver Signature Enforcement Fails
Installing legacy hardware (e.g., old printers or audio cards).
Flashing BIOS or GPU firmware with custom tools.
Updating GPU drivers from lesser known manufacturers.
Using modified or modded drivers for custom features.
In all these cases, DSE might reject the driver causing your hardware to malfunction or fail to install.
How to Check If Driver Signature Enforcement is Enabled
To check the current DSE status
Press Windows + R type cmd and press Enter.
Type the following command
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bcdedit /enum
Look for this line in the output
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nointegritychecks
If it’s set to Yes, DSE is disabled.
If it’s No, DSE is enabled.
This command helps you verify whether DSE is the culprit behind driver installation errors.
Using Advanced Startup (Temporary Disable)
This is the easiest method if you just need to install a specific driver once.
Steps
Press Windows + I to open Settings.
Go to System Recovery.
Under Advanced startup click Restart now.
When your PC restarts choose
Troubleshoot Advanced options Startup Settings > Restart
Press 7 or F7 to Disable driver signature enforcement.
Once Windows restarts, DSE will be turned off temporarily until the next reboot. Install your driver during this session.
Using Command Prompt (Permanent Disable)
Want to turn off DSE permanently? Here’s how to do it via Command Prompt.
Steps
Search for cmd right-click it and choose Run as administrator.
Enter this command:
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bcdedit /set nointegritychecks on
Press Enter. You should see The operation completed successfully.
Reboot your PC
Rebooting your PC might seem like a basic step but it plays a critical role especially when dealing with system-level changes like installing or uninstalling drivers disabling Driver Signature Enforcement or applying updates. A reboot ensures that all temporary settings are flushed out and new configurations take effect properly.
When you reboot your computer shuts down all running processes and reloads the operating system from scratch. This is essential when youve used commands like bcdedit to change boot settings or installed new GPU drivers as those changes usually don’t apply until the system restarts.
To reboot your PC safely
Click the Start button.
Select the Power icon.
Choose Restart.
Avoid doing a hard shutdown (holding the power button) unless your system is frozen as it can cause data corruption. A proper reboot can often resolve minor glitches fix installation errors and allow hardware drivers to initialize correctly.
In short never skip the reboot prompt after system changes its a small action that ensures your computer stays stable secure and responsive to the latest updates or configurations. Think of it as giving your system a fresh start.
This disables DSE permanently until you turn it back on manually
Method 3 Using Group Policy Editor (For Windows Pro & Enterprise)
This method isnt available on Windows Home editions but if you have Pro heres what to do.
Steps
Press Windows + R type gpedit.msc and press Enter.
Navigate to
User Configuration Administrative Templates System Driver Installation
Double click Code signing for device drivers.
Choose Enabled and from the drop-down select Ignore.
Click Apply and restart your system.
Now Windows will no longer check for driver signatures when installing new drivers.
Disabling Driver Signature Enforcement on Windows 11
Windows 11 uses the same security protocols but here’s a quick recap
Use Settings System Recovery Advanced Startup.
Access Startup Settings and press F7 to disable DSE.
For permanent disabling, use bcdedit in Command Prompt
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bcdedit /set nointegritychecks on
You may have to disable Secure Boot from BIOS/UEFI on some systems for these changes to take effect.
Risks of Disabling Driver Signature Enforcement
While disabling DSE can solve many driver installation headaches, it’s not risk-free:
Security vulnerabilities: Unsigned drivers could contain malware.
System instability: Poorly coded drivers can crash your system.
Incompatibility issues: Some system updates or apps may stop working correctly.
Always make sure the driver source is reputable before installing.
Best Practices Before Disabling Signature Enforcement
Create a System Restore Point – Just in case things go sideways.
Scan the Driver File – Use antivirus or VirusTotal to check for malware.
Backup Critical Files Especially if you’re modifying core hardware drivers.
Check Manufacturer’s Site They might have a signed version of the driver.
Disable Secure Boot Temporarily Some systems block unsigned drivers even if DSE is off.
Re enable Driver Signature Enforcement
If youve disabled it permanently and want to turn it back on, follow these steps
Using Command Prompt
Open Command Prompt as administrator.
Type
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bcdedit /set nointegritychecks off
Press Enter and restart your PC.
This reactivates Driver Signature Enforcement.
Fixing Errors Even After Disabling Enforcement
Sometimes even with DSE off the driver refuses to install. Here’s what you can try
Run the installer in compatibility mode.
Extract the driver manually and install via Device Manager.
Use DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller) to clean old driver files.
Use Test Mode
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bcdedit /set testsigning on
This allows Windows to load unsigned drivers during testing.
Using Third Party Tools (Driver Verifier DDU)
Driver Verifier
Helps identify problematic drivers by stressing them.
Type verifier in the Run dialog.
Choose Create custom settings.
Select unsigned drivers to test.
DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller)
Best used for GPU driver issues.
Removes all traces of previous drivers.
Use in Safe Mode for best results.
These tools help in troubleshooting complex driver problems when all else fails.
Troubleshooting Hardware Compatibility Issues
If you’re trying to install a legacy device, consider:
Using Windows Compatibility Mode
Checking for community-modded signed drivers
Running Windows Update manually
Contacting the device manufacturer
Many older drivers are still supported via generic drivers or online forums.
Conclusion
Driver Signature Enforcement is like a bouncer for your system keeping out shady drivers. But sometimes even legit drivers can’t get through the door. Whether you’re updating an old GPU installing a new Wi-Fi card or modding your setup knowing how to safely bypass or disable this feature can save you hours of frustration.
Always double check the source, and when in doubt use system restore points and backups to stay safe. Disabling DSE is powerful but should only be done when absolutely necessary.