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How to Disable Driver Signature Enforcement in Windows 11 (Including CMD)

Windows 11 offers a one-session Startup Settings option and a persistent TESTSIGNING boot setting for controlled driver testing. Learn when to use each and how to restore normal signing.
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For a single installation or test, use Windows Recovery’s Disable driver signature enforcement option; it applies only to the current session. For driver development with test-signed code, use the persistent TESTSIGNING boot setting from an elevated Command Prompt, then turn it off and restart when testing is done. Neither option is a general-purpose fix for drivers from unknown sources.

Choose the method that fits your task

Method How long it applies Driver requirement What to expect
Startup Settings: Disable driver signature enforcement Current system session only; it does not persist after restart For a temporary installation or test Choose this for a one-time attempt, not a standing configuration. Microsoft describes the session-only behavior and the Startup Settings route.
bcdedit /set testsigning on Persists in the boot configuration until disabled Driver images must be digitally signed; with Memory Integrity/HVCI enabled, the binary must be test-signed Requires an elevated prompt and restart. Test Mode is indicated by a desktop watermark. Microsoft documents TESTSIGNING requirements.

Use Startup Settings for a one-session attempt

  1. In Windows, open Settings > System > Recovery.
  2. Under Advanced startup, select Restart now.
  3. In the recovery menus, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings, then select Restart.
  4. At the Startup Settings screen, press F7 for Disable driver signature enforcement.

Windows starts with this enforcement option disabled for that session; restarting returns to the normal behavior. Menu wording can vary by Windows build. See Microsoft’s explanation of the session-only setting.

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Use CMD for driver development with test-signed code

Caution: BCDEdit changes the boot configuration and requires an elevated prompt. Microsoft warns that changing some boot options can render a computer inoperable. Do not add unrelated boot switches or use this as a workaround for an untrusted driver. See the BCDEdit /set reference.

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  1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
  2. Run:
    bcdedit /set testsigning on
  3. Restart Windows for the setting to take effect.
  4. Install or test the test-signed driver. Test Mode appears as a watermark on the desktop.

TESTSIGNING is intended for test-signed code, not arbitrary unsigned drivers: each driver image must have a digital signature. If Memory Integrity (HVCI) is enabled, the binary must be test-signed; an unsigned binary is not supported in that configuration. Secure Boot policy can block changing TESTSIGNING, and BitLocker may also affect boot-configuration changes. Whether additional steps are needed depends on the device and workflow. Microsoft’s TESTSIGNING documentation covers these requirements.

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Turn TESTSIGNING off when testing is complete

  1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
  2. Run:
    bcdedit /set testsigning off
  3. Restart Windows.

Disabling TESTSIGNING and restarting returns the computer to the release-signing configuration described in Microsoft’s release-signing guidance. If a boot-configuration change is blocked, do not try additional boot switches; check the device’s Secure Boot and BitLocker state and follow the appropriate Microsoft or device-manufacturer instructions. Microsoft’s WHQL test-signature guidance instructs users to suspend BitLocker before disabling Secure Boot in that workflow; that does not mean Secure Boot must be disabled for every one-time F7 session.

Quick Recap

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  • Equipped with a blazing fast Core i5 2.00 GHz processor.

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