Disable blocking installation of unsigned drivers on Windows 10

Buzz

Ngày cập nhật gần nhất: 15/4/2026

Windows 10 has significantly upgraded its security features compared to previous versions, one of which is the ability to block installation of unsigned drivers. However, for some advanced users, this feature can be quite inconvenient. Mytour will guide you on how to disable the feature blocking installation of unsigned drivers on Windows 10.

Windows 10 is continuously improving its security capabilities after major updates. One of these improvements is the ability to block unsigned drivers. Typically, drivers released by manufacturers come with devices, are scrutinized, authenticated, and digitally signed by Microsoft. These drivers are then installed on Windows devices to ensure that your computer is controlled by “official” drivers and remains secure.

What happens if we mistakenly install a malicious driver on our computer? Drivers not only affect regular software but also interact deeply with the system's highest layer (kernel). If a malicious driver is installed on a machine, the impact extends beyond just software to the entire computer system.

However, for programmers or advanced users, their own customized or experimental drivers may not run on Windows 10. So how do you tackle this issue? Mytour will guide you on disabling the driver signature enforcement feature on Windows 10. Please note, you should only follow this guide if you truly understand the system and the drivers you're about to install.

Disable the feature blocking installation of unsigned drivers .

Disable blocking installation of unsigned drivers via Recovery

Note: This method can only be applied to Windows 10 versions older than the Anniversary Update (ver 1607)

Step 1 : Press Windows + I , then click Update & Security

Step 2 : Select Recovery , then click Advanced startup

Step 3: Your computer will restart in Advanced Startup mode, click Troubleshoot

Step 4 : Choose Advanced Option

Step 5 : Select Startup Setting

Step 6 : Press Restart to reboot your computer and choose the boot method

Step 7 : Press F7 to activate the Disable Driver Signature Enforcement feature

Your computer restarts, and from here you can install unsigned drivers.

Turn off Secure Boot

Secure Boot is a security boot mode established on UEFI BIOS generation. With numerous enhancements, it is considered one of the best security mechanisms for your system. However, this makes it challenging to install unsigned drivers on UEFI systems.

Mytour will guide you to turn off Secure Boot; however, this method will affect the security of your system, so you should carefully consider before proceeding.

Step 1 : Boot into Advanced Startup mode similar to the method 1.

Step 2: Press Troubleshoot

Step 3 : Press to select Advanced Setting

Step 4 : Press UEFI Firmware Setting

Step 5: Press Restart to boot into UEFI Firmware Setup mode

Different laptop models will have different Firmware setup interfaces from here. Look for the Secure Boot option to Disable.

ASUS

ASROCK

ACER

After completing the steps, repeat the same process as above to re-enable Secure Boot mode.

Install unsigned drivers in Test Mode

Test Mode is a hidden mode in Windows 10 that allows advanced users, programmers to operate more easily with software they build when bypassing strict security checks on the Windows system. Therefore, unsigned drivers can be easily installed in this mode. Follow the instructions below to activate this mode.

Step 1: Press Windows + X , then click Windows Powershell (Admin) to launch the Windows Powershell command program

Step 2: Type the command bcdedit /set testsigning on

Step 3: Here, if successful, your computer will restart, and Windows 10 will be in Test Mode. If there's an error message, Secure Boot feature on your computer may be enabled, repeat the steps above with the second method to disable Secure Boot

Step 4: After completing testing and verifying unsigned drivers on Windows 10, reopen the Windows Powershell interface, disable Test Mode with the command

bcdedit /set testsigning off

Here are some instructions for you to disable the feature blocking installation of unsigned drivers on Windows 10. If you're an average user, we recommend installing “official” drivers provided by the device manufacturers to ensure security for your computer system or installing drivers automatically via Driver Booster to ensure the smoothest device operation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What steps should I follow to disable driver signature enforcement on Windows 10?

To disable driver signature enforcement on Windows 10, go to Settings, click on Update & Security, select Recovery, and then Advanced Startup. After your computer restarts, choose Troubleshoot, then Advanced Options, followed by Startup Settings, and press Restart. Finally, press F7 to disable driver signature enforcement and install unsigned drivers.

How does disabling Secure Boot affect the installation of unsigned drivers?

Disabling Secure Boot allows the installation of unsigned drivers but reduces the overall security of your system. Secure Boot prevents unauthorized drivers from loading, so by turning it off, you may expose your system to risks associated with potentially harmful software.

Is it safe to install unsigned drivers on my Windows 10 system?

No, it is not safe to install unsigned drivers unless you are sure of their source and functionality. Unsigned drivers can introduce vulnerabilities or malicious software to your system, affecting stability and security.

What is Test Mode in Windows 10, and how can I enable it?

Test Mode in Windows 10 allows advanced users to install unsigned drivers without strict security checks. To enable it, open Windows PowerShell as an administrator and enter the command 'bcdedit /set testsigning on'. Restart your computer, and you will be in Test Mode.

Mytour's content is for customer care and travel encouragement only, and we are not responsible.

For errors or inappropriate content, please contact us at: [email protected]