To disable driver integrity check, also known as driver signature enforcement, in Windows 11, you need to access the Startup Settings menu. This method allows you to temporarily disable the feature to install unsigned drivers.
Here are the steps to disable driver signature enforcement in Windows 11:
- Access Recovery Environment: You'll need to restart your computer into the Windows Recovery Environment. You can do this by holding down the
Shiftkey while clicking "Restart" from the Start Menu power options. Alternatively, if Windows fails to boot normally multiple times, it may automatically enter the Recovery Environment. - Navigate to Startup Settings: Once in the Recovery Environment, follow these menu options:
- Choose "Troubleshoot"
- Select "Advanced options"
- Click on "Startup Settings"
- Restart to Access Settings: Click "Restart".
- Select the Option: After your computer restarts, you will see a list of startup settings on a blue screen. Press F7 or the number key corresponding to "Disable driver signature enforcement" from the list.
Your computer will then boot with driver signature enforcement temporarily disabled. You can now install the driver that requires this setting to be off.
Understanding Driver Signature Enforcement
Driver signature enforcement is a security feature in Windows that prevents the installation of drivers that have not been digitally signed by Microsoft. This helps protect your system from potentially malicious or unstable drivers. Disabling it should generally only be done when absolutely necessary, for instance, when installing hardware with a legitimate, but unsigned, driver.
Important Considerations:
- Disabling this feature is temporary. The driver signature enforcement will be re-enabled the next time you restart your computer normally.
- Installing unsigned drivers can potentially introduce instability or security risks to your system. Proceed with caution.
This process provides a way to temporarily bypass the security measure for specific installation needs.
