To safeguard the computer from rogue programmes, all major operating systems require driver signature verification methods. This verification technique is enforced by default in both Windows and Mac. However, users may choose to install a program on their Windows/Mac computer that is not digitally signed for usage with their operating system from time to time. As a result, both of these operating systems have the option to deactivate this functionality, allowing you to install drivers that are not digitally certified. This post will show you how to install a driver that is not cryptographically signed on Windows or Mac.
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In This Article
What Does Windows/Mac Look for in Drivers?
As according Microsoft and Apple, the makers of Windows and Mac OS, respectively, they certify a driver’s digital signature by verifying the following facts:
Files have been signed:
The developer must sign all files in your driver. This signature enables the operating system to verify the driver files’ origin and reliability. This verification assures that no harmful driver or software is installed on your computer.
Signer is Reliable:
Just a signed driver is insufficient. The signer must be a reliable entity. A Windows / Mac authorised driver is often created by a developer that has a track record of producing legitimate and safe drivers. As a result, each of these operating systems check that the driver’s developer is a trustworthy entity.
The Certification Authority is Reliable:
Driver signatures also include information about the entity that certified the driver files. This authority should be a credible authority with a track record of providing certificates to legitimate driver files.
Unaltered Driver Files:
Before putting a new driver on your system, Windows and Mac operating systems ensure that the set of driver files you’re installing hasn’t been modified since it was first released. Driver files are sometimes updated after they are published, rendering the original signature useless. As a result, this process guarantees that only drivers that were initially certified for usage are installed on your computer.
As a result, before allowing you to install a driver on your computer, both the Windows and Mac operating systems rigorously validate its legitimacy. This function is critical for maintaining your computer’s safety and stability. However, if you need to skip this functionality for whatever reason, continue reading because we will discuss how to do so in the following section.
How to Download a Non-Digitally Signed Driver
This section will walk you through the steps of installing an unregistered driver on a Windows or Mac machine. As I previously stated, there are hazards associated in attempting to install a verified driver on your computer. You may, however, reduce such dangers by carefully confirming the validity and safety of the drivers you want to install on your computer. Once you are certain that you want to install unsigned drivers on your Windows or Mac operating system, proceed with the procedure for your operating system.
A) How to Reinstall a Driver in Windows That Isn’t Digitally Signed
The next actions are simple to follow, but you must use caution when carrying them out. To get the desired outcomes, follow the procedures in the precise order listed below. We will install the USB scanner drivers as an example, but you must follow the same instructions for any drivers you wish to install on your Windows OS.
- Select ‘Settings’ from the menu after clicking the ‘Start’ button.
- Click the ‘Update & Security’ option on the Settings screen.
- Choose the ‘Recovery’ option under Update & Security, then click the ‘Restart immediately’ button under the ‘Advanced startup’ section.
- After your laptop restarts, select ‘Troubleshoot’ from the menu.
- To proceed, select the ‘Advanced options’ button on the Troubleshoot screen.
- Click the ‘Start-up Settings’ option on the Advanced settings box.
- You can see all of the things you may conduct by restarting your computer on the Start-up Settings screen. To go to the next stage, click the ‘Restart’ option.
- There will be a list of start alternatives. ‘Disable driver signature enforcement’ is the seventh option on that list. You should enable this option by hitting the number key ‘7’ on your keyboard or the ‘F7’ function key.
- After Windows has restarted, put ‘device manager’ into the search box and choose ‘Device Manager’ from the results.
- Select the device whose driver you wish to install in the Device Manager window. We went with the ‘USB Scanner’ gadget. Right-click your chosen device and select ‘Properties.’
- Select the ‘Driver’ tab in the Properties box and click the ‘Update Driver’ button.
- Select the ‘Browse my computer for driver software’ option in the Update Drivers dialogue.
- Select ‘Let me choose from a list of drivers on my machine.’
- Click the ‘Have Disk’ button in the Select device screen to specify the location of the driver files.
- To proceed, click the ‘Browse’ option.
- Navigate to the folder containing the driver files in the Browse box, then choose the INF file and click the ‘Open’ button.
- Verify the location of the driver file, then click the ‘OK’ button to continue.
- Now, in the model list, pick the just added’model name.’ The message ‘This driver is not digitally signed’ will appear. Ignore this warning and continue by clicking the ‘Next’ button.
- Windows will notify you that it cannot validate the driver’s publisher. Ignore this warning and choose ‘Install this driver software anyway.’
- Wait for the drivers to be installed on your computer.
- When the message ‘Windows has successfully updated drivers’ appears, click the ‘Close’ button.
That’s it; you’ve successfully installed a non-digitally signed driver on Windows. You can download as many drivers as you wish until your machine is restarted. After restarting your computer, Windows will reactivate the default driver signature recognition mechanism.
B) How to Download a Non-Digitally Signed Driver on a Mac
Apple Gatekeeper is a function in Mac OS that is designed to check the signatures of driver files. Unlike Windows, you may stop this function permanently on your Mac. Follow the steps below carefully to install an unregistered driver on a Mac machine.
- Click the ‘Search’ icon in the upper right hand corner of your screen.
- In the Search window, type ‘terminal,’ and then select the ‘Terminal’ option from the search results.
- Type’sudo spctl -master-disable’ into the Terminal window, then hit the ‘Enter’ key on your keyboard.
- In front of the ‘Password,’ type the Mac password vault and press the ‘Enter’ key on your keyboard. The inputted password will not be visible to you. As a result, after you are certain that you have typed your password completely, press the enter key.
- After completing all of the tasks, your Terminal should resemble the image below.
- Click the ‘Apple icon’ and then select ‘System Preferences’ from the menu.
- Click the ‘Security & Privacy’ option in the System Preferences box.
- Make sure the ‘General’ option is chosen in Security & Privacy, then click the ‘Click the lock to make changes’ link.
- Enter the Mac computer’s User Name and Password and click the ‘Unlock’ button.
- Navigate to the ‘Allow applications to be downloaded from’ column, then locate and choose the ‘Anywhere’ option. Finally, click the ‘Close’ button in the Security & Privacy box.
That’s all; you’ve now deactivated Apple Gatekeeper on your Mac. Now, to install a driver that is not digitally signed on your Mac, perform the standard installation method. However, take in mind that you have permanently removed Apple Gatekeeper, exposing your machine to harmful drivers and applications. It is recommended that you reactivate this function after installing the unsigned drivers on your Mac.
Now that you know how to download an unsigned driver on a Windows or Mac computer, it is critical that you utilise this knowledge responsibly. Before installing a driver on your computer, both Windows and Mac want to check its legitimacy. This is due to their desire to safeguard your computer against dangerous drivers and software. As a result, if you disable this safety mechanism on your Windows or Mac, you should be aware that you are removing a vital layer of protection given by your operating system.
Unsigned Drivers Cannot Be Installed Windows 10
Hardware drivers are required for all hardware devices connected to your Windows computer in order for them to function correctly. Because of the connection to the kernel, the drivers must be formally signed.
If the drivers you have obtained are not certified by Microsoft, they cannot be installed on your machine. This is a PC security measure since you can plainly see information about the programme publisher, release date, and so on. This way can avoid malware attacks to a certain degree.
When installing unregistered drivers on Windows 10, a warning message appears stating that Windows cannot verify the publisher of this driver software.
You will need to spend some time if you still need to install unauthorised drivers, old drivers with no digital signature, or unsigned drivers.