Install Unsigned Drivers in Windows Safely

Installing an unsigned driver can help Windows use older, specialist, or development hardware when its driver has no valid digital signature. Because Windows uses signatures to help verify driver integrity and publisher identity, use this method only for a driver you trust, and prefer a signed driver from the device maker whenever one is available.

What You’ll Need

The correct driver package for your exact device and Windows version, obtained from a source you trust. Check that it is intended for your Windows edition and system architecture.
An administrator account, since changing startup settings and installing drivers may require administrator approval.
A way to restore your system if the driver causes problems: save important work, create a restore point, and note how to return to the previous driver.
If possible, a spare keyboard or mouse, or another way to control the PC. A bad driver can stop a device from working.

Step-by-Step

Confirm that the driver really needs to be unsigned. Open Settings > Windows Update and check for updates, including optional driver updates if offered. Also check the device maker’s support page for a newer signed driver. Do not use a driver just because it is unsigned if you cannot verify where it came from or what device it supports.
Prepare a recovery point. Search Windows for Create a restore point, open the result, select the Windows system drive, and choose Create. If system protection is off, enable it if available, then create the point. A restore point is not a substitute for a backup, so save important files separately.
Extract the driver package. If the download is a ZIP file, right-click it and select Extract All. Locate the folder containing the driver’s .inf file. Do not run unfamiliar executables or scripts. Read any included instructions and make sure the package matches the device.
Open Windows Recovery Environment. In Windows 11, go to Settings > System > Recovery, then select Restart now beside Advanced startup. In Windows 10, go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery and select Restart now under Advanced startup. You can also hold Shift while selecting Power > Restart from the Start menu. Save your work first.
Choose the temporary startup option. On the recovery screens, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart. After the PC restarts and shows the numbered options, press the number for Disable driver signature enforcement (commonly 7 or F7; follow the label on your screen). If prompted for a BitLocker recovery key, retrieve it before continuing. Do not change Secure Boot or other firmware settings for this procedure.
Install the driver during this Windows session. Windows starts with signature enforcement disabled for this startup only. To install through Device Manager, right-click Start, choose Device Manager, find the relevant device, right-click it, and select Update driver > Browse my computer for drivers. Browse to the extracted folder, keep Include subfolders selected, and choose Next. Alternatively, use Action > Add drivers if that option is available and appropriate for your Windows version. Follow any on-screen prompts; do not approve a warning unless you have verified the package and device.
Restart normally and check the device. Restart Windows when installation finishes. Signature enforcement is normally active again on the next ordinary startup, but the installed driver may remain. Open Device Manager and check the device’s status and Properties > Driver details. Test the device with a routine task, and watch for crashes, warnings, or unexpected behavior.
Roll back promptly if anything is wrong. In Device Manager, open the device’s Properties > Driver tab and select Roll Back Driver if available. Otherwise choose Update driver and select the previous signed driver, or uninstall the problematic device driver and restart so Windows can try to restore a working one. Use your restore point if necessary.

Common Mistakes

Using an untrusted download. A signature warning is not proof a file is malicious, but it is a reason to stop and verify the source. Avoid driver-download aggregators and files whose origin or purpose is unclear.
Picking a driver for a similar-looking device. Confirm the exact model and hardware revision. A wrong driver can leave the device unusable or destabilize Windows.
Expecting the setting to stay off. Startup Settings disables enforcement for that startup; it is not a permanent configuration change. You may need to repeat the process for a later installation.
Confusing the driver package with its installer. Device Manager needs the folder containing the correct .inf file. Pointing it at an unrelated folder or an unextracted archive may not work.
Ignoring recovery prompts. Do not proceed without a BitLocker recovery key if Windows requests it. Do not guess firmware or security settings as a workaround.

Tips

Prefer a signed replacement or an updated driver. Ask the hardware maker whether a compatible signed package is available before using an unsigned one.
Keep a copy of the previous working driver and record the device name, driver version, and installation date.
Install only the driver you need, then verify the device and Windows startup. Avoid bundling multiple uncertain driver changes together.
If the PC is managed by an employer or school, contact its IT administrator. Organizational policies may block driver installation, and changing them yourself can cause support problems.

Troubleshooting

Startup Settings is missing: Use the Advanced startup path in Settings or Shift+Restart. If the device is encrypted, have the BitLocker recovery key ready. A work-managed PC may restrict recovery options.
Windows still refuses the driver: Confirm that you selected the correct Startup Settings option and that Windows actually restarted afterward. Check the package’s architecture and device match, then try the maker’s installation instructions. Some driver types or security policies may still prevent installation; do not try to bypass them by disabling Secure Boot or weakening other protections.
The device does not appear or has a warning icon: In Device Manager, choose View > Show hidden devices if appropriate, then check the device’s properties for a status message. Recheck the connection, driver folder, and model. Remove the faulty driver or roll back before trying another package.
Windows will not start properly: Enter Windows Recovery Environment and use Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Restore to select the restore point, if available. If the PC is managed or recovery fails, contact its administrator or a qualified technician rather than repeatedly installing the driver.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “unsigned driver” mean?
Windows cannot verify an accepted digital signature for the driver package. That does not establish whether the driver is safe or unsafe; the source and compatibility still matter.

Does disabling signature enforcement permanently change Windows?
No. The Startup Settings option is temporary for that startup. Restarting normally restores the usual enforcement behavior, though the installed driver may remain.

Can I install an unsigned driver without restarting?
Usually, the Startup Settings method requires a restart. Follow the recovery menu and Windows prompts; do not use commands or tools intended to bypass driver protections.

Will this work on every Windows PC?
No. Device type, Windows configuration, security policy, and driver packaging can affect installation. Windows may still reject a package, and managed computers may block the process.

What should I do if I no longer trust the driver?
Disconnect the device if appropriate, roll back or uninstall the driver in Device Manager, and install a trusted signed version. If Windows becomes unstable, use System Restore or seek qualified help.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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