How to disable signature driver enforcement option in Windows 8

The driver signature enforcement feature in Windows 8 and 8.1 in 64-bit versions can sometimes become a real mess, especially when you need to install some drivers and the compatibility program assistant opens up saying that you can’t install the driver, blocking the installation accordingly by requesting enforcement of the developer’s digital signature.

Basically, the signature enforcement contains an electronic check that determines if the driver was developed by the same manufacturer as the device and even if the driver has been modified (if it is digitally signed or not). The purpose to verify the driver’s signature is to improve the hardware security of the device so that the driver does not cause the computer to malfunction causing irreversible damage.

I will tell you about my experience on verifying the drivers signature in Windows 8 to make you understand what may happen.

When I had to start the procedure to get the Root permissions of my Android smartphone, I had to install Android ADB and Fastboot and also Sony flashtool and flashmode and fastboot drivers were required. During the installation of the drivers, the compatibility program showed the locked installation status. This caused a serious problem on the mobile device, which I was not aware of before, forcing me to perform a custom reset on the mobile phone to remove the Root.

An internet search helped me to find out that it was a problem of verifying the driver’s manufacturer’s signature. With this guide we explain how we can disable the enforcement of the driver signature in Windows 8 and 8.1 64-bit and get rid permanently of the request to verify the installation signature of the drivers and the resulting blocking errors. (Here you find the guide for Windows 10 64bit ).

How to disable driver signature enforcement in Windows 8 or 8.1:

Move the mouse pointer to the right side of the PC screen in order to enter the Windows 8 configuration bar.
Click now on “Settings“.
In Settings, click “Change PC Settings“.
Once you have entered Change PC Settings, click on “Update and Restore“.
In Update and restore, click on “Restore“.
Now in Recovery, on the right, you will find the “Advanced start” option.
Click “Restart now” under the Advanced startup option.
The PC will restart in Advanced Start mode, click on “Troubleshooting“.
In Troubleshooting, click on “Advanced Options“.
In Advanced Options, click on “Startup Settings“.
The Start Settings menu will show you the options you can have, click on the “Restart” button.
Now you will have the possibility to select the action you want to take, in our case it will be the enforcement of the drivers signature. By pressing the F7 key, this will do the job for you. As soon as you press the F7 key, your PC or laptop will reboot with the driver signature enforcement disabled.