How to Install a Self-Built Driver on Windows 10 Without Enabling Testsigning Mode?

Are you tired of dealing with the hassle of enabling Testsigning mode just to install a self-built driver on Windows 10? Well, you’re in luck because we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll take you through a step-by-step guide on how to install a self-built driver on Windows 10 without enabling Testsigning mode. Buckle up, folks, and let’s dive in!

What is Testsigning Mode?

Before we dive into the installation process, let’s quickly explain what Testsigning mode is. Testsigning mode is a feature in Windows 10 that allows developers to test unsigned drivers without having to disable driver signature enforcement. When you enable Testsigning mode, Windows 10 allows you to install unsigned drivers, which can be useful for testing and development purposes.

However, enabling Testsigning mode can also open up your system to security risks, as it allows unsigned drivers to be installed without any warnings or restrictions. This is why it’s generally recommended to avoid enabling Testsigning mode unless absolutely necessary.

Why Can’t I Install a Self-Built Driver on Windows 10?

So, why can’t you install a self-built driver on Windows 10 without enabling Testsigning mode? The reason is that Windows 10 has a built-in feature called Driver Signature Enforcement. This feature ensures that only signed drivers are installed on your system, which helps to prevent malware and other security threats.

When you try to install a self-built driver that isn’t signed, Windows 10 will block the installation process and display an error message. This is because the driver doesn’t have a digital signature that verifies its authenticity and ensures that it’s safe to install.

The Solution: Creating a Self-Signed Certificate

So, how can you install a self-built driver on Windows 10 without enabling Testsigning mode? The solution lies in creating a self-signed certificate that you can use to sign your driver. A self-signed certificate is a digital certificate that you create yourself, rather than obtaining one from a trusted certificate authority.

Here’s how to create a self-signed certificate:

1. Open the Microsoft Management Console (MMC) by typing mmc in the Run dialog box (Windows key + R).

2. Click File > Add/Remove Snap-in, and then select Certificates from the list of available snap-ins.

3. Click OK to add the Certificates snap-in.

4. In the Certificates snap-in, right-click Personal > Certificates, and then select All Tasks > Request New Certificate.

5. Select Certificate Enrollment Wizard and click Next.

6. Select Create and submit a request to this CA, and then select Next.

7. Select Offline Certificate Request and click Next.

8. Select Save the request in a file, and then select a location to save the certificate request file.

9. Open the certificate request file in a text editor, and then copy the contents of the file.

10. Open a command prompt or PowerShell, and then run the following command to generate a self-signed certificate:

    certreq -new -atr <Certificate Request File> -x

11. Press Enter to generate the self-signed certificate.

That’s it! You’ve successfully created a self-signed certificate. Now, let’s move on to the next step.

Signing the Driver with the Self-Signed Certificate

Now that you have a self-signed certificate, you can use it to sign your driver. Here’s how:

1. Open a command prompt or PowerShell, and then navigate to the directory where your driver files are located.

2. Run the following command to sign the driver with the self-signed certificate:

   signtool sign /v /n <Certificate Name> /t http://timestamp.digicert.com /fd sha256 <Driver File>

   (Replace <Certificate Name> with the name of your self-signed certificate, and <Driver File> with the name of your driver file).

3. Press Enter to sign the driver.

That’s it! You’ve successfully signed your driver with the self-signed certificate. Now, let’s move on to the final step.

Installing the Signed Driver on Windows 10

Now that you have a signed driver, you can install it on Windows 10 without enabling Testsigning mode. Here’s how:

1. Open the Device Manager by typing devmgmt.msc in the Run dialog box (Windows key + R).

2. Find the device that you want to install the driver for, and then right-click it and select Update driver.

3. Click Browse my computer for driver software, and then select the location where your signed driver file is located.

4. Click Next to install the driver.

5. Windows 10 will prompt you to install the driver. Click Install to continue.

That’s it! You’ve successfully installed a self-built driver on Windows 10 without enabling Testsigning mode.

Conclusion

Installing a self-built driver on Windows 10 without enabling Testsigning mode may seem like a daunting task, but with the right steps, it’s actually quite straightforward. By creating a self-signed certificate and signing your driver with it, you can ensure that your driver is installed safely and securely on your system.

Remember, it’s always important to ensure that your driver is signed with a trusted certificate to prevent any security risks. If you’re unsure about how to sign your driver or have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments below!

Step	Description
1	Create a self-signed certificate using the Microsoft Management Console (MMC)
2	Sign the driver with the self-signed certificate using the signtool command
3	Install the signed driver on Windows 10 using the Device Manager

By following these steps, you can easily install a self-built driver on Windows 10 without enabling Testsigning mode. Remember to always prioritize security and ensure that your driver is signed with a trusted certificate.

• Microsoft Docs: Device Driver Installation
• Microsoft Docs: Driver Signing

Thanks for reading, and we hope this article has been helpful in guiding you through the process of installing a self-built driver on Windows 10 without enabling Testsigning mode!

Frequently Asked Question

Are you tired of being restricted by Windows 10’s test signing mode when installing self-built drivers? Worry no more! Here are the answers to your most pressing questions on how to install a self-built driver on Windows 10 without enabling test signing mode.