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Fix: Windows Cannot Verify Digital Signature (Code 52)
9 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
Error Code 52 is considered to be a Device Manager issue because it’s caused by one’s device drivers and it can occur on any OS version, from Windows 7 to the newest Windows 11.
Our readers already know some of thebest features in Windows 11 to upgrade forand they made the big step in this direction. However, some of them have asked us what they should do when they encounter theWindows cannot verify digital signature – Code 52message in Device Manager or DXDiag. The full error is the following one:
Windows cannot verify the digital signature for the drivers required for this device. a recent hardware or software change might have installed a file that is signed incorrectly or damaged, or that might be malicious software from an unknown source. (code 52)
That being said, having a better understanding of why this error appears and how to better take care of your device and prevent this issue from happening in the future has become a necessity.
Is the digital signature mandatory?
According to Microsoft, the digital signature’s main purpose is to actively protect your system from threats and infections by making sure that the signer is trusted and that the files were not altered in any way after they were published.
Therefore, every single driver and program must be digitally signed before you install and run it on your device. But this isn’t always the case, as not all publishers and vendors are verified and neither are their products.
It is simply impossible for Microsoft to check all the drivers or programs that are published daily and have them digitally signed for your device’s safety.
That is why you can come across driver errors since the OS won’t allow an unsigned legitimate software or driver to work or load as it should.
Error Code 52 main causes
You are about to discover how to troubleshoot this issue, but first, understand that the most common cause is related to incorrectly signed driver files installed on your PC and it mostly occurs after updating or upgrading Windows.
Things are no different for those who discovered that their PC is eligible for a free upgrade after usingWhyNotWin11. They’ve learned todownload Windows 11and it seems that this error is part of the package too.
Corruption in the Windows Registry from a recent software change can also lead to this issue, as well as problematic filters for USB or incompatible drivers installed in the system.
Some other reasons include damaged hardware, improper installation, or uninstallation of a program, and virus or malware infection that has corrupted Windows system files.
That’s why we strongly recommend using one of thebest antivirus options for Windows 11by taking into consideration elements such as scanning capabilities, ransomware protection, malware/virus removal, or resource consumption.
Even if it’s not a situation you want to be in, rest assured that we have the solution to this error. Some step-by-step guides are waiting for you below, so check them out.
How to fix the digital signature – Code 52 error on Windows 11?
1. Uninstall the driver manually
2. Download and install the driver
You can also tryOutbyte Driver Updater, a driver updater tool that will automatically perform the procedure if you do not want to go through the above steps to update your faulty drivers.
Even more, by choosing this software, you won’t put your computer at any risk by installing the wrong drivers and having to deal with errors all over again.
3. Run SFC scannow to fix the corrupt system files
If thescannow command has stoppedbefore the process finished, there’s no reason to worry about. As always, we’ve got an easy fix for you.
4. RemoveUSB Upper Filter and Lower Filter entries
5. Perform aSystem Restore
System Restore is a recovery feature in the Windows operating system that allows you to restore your PC to an earlier state.
You can do a restore point manually, but you should know that your PC will usually create them on its own when installing new software, driver, or if you update your system.
6.Disable driver signature enforcement
If you’rehaving trouble accessing Command Prompt as an admin, then you better take a closer look at our guide. This issue will become a thing of the past in no time.
7.Disable Automatic Hardware drivers update
8. Boot your PC and disable driver signing enforcement
The default boot location is none other than your hard drive where the operation system is installed. However, if the above method isn’t for you, have a look at our guide and discover how simple it is toboot from USBtoo.
9. Reset yourBIOS
If you are having trouble resetting your BIOS, you should definitely check out this article and find outhow to easily update your BIOS.This brings you access to new features and increased stability.
What happens if I disable driver signature enforcement?
As previously said, this Windows feature pretty much guarantees you that your drivers are authentic and unbroken by malicious apps.
A digital signature is an integral part of any operating system, meant to protect your system and prevent you from installing unverified drivers.
When it comes to Windows, the OS actually requires that a driver belongs to a verified developer and that the driverunderstandsthat it simply cannot be fraudulent.
If you disable signature enforcement, there will be nothing to prevent you from installing broken, poorly-written, or malicious drivers, which can easily crash your system.
You can also temporarily shut it down, as the ongoing lack of verification can lead to negative computer performance.
So if you don’t wish to disable driver signing permanently, or want to know how to enable it back on, you should check out our full comprehensive guide ondriver signature verification.
We hope that this guide has successfully helped you in resolving the issue and your PC is now error-free. Even more, learn all about the latestWindows 11 preview build 22000.65and be on the lookout for its bugs but also its newest features.
Use the comments section below and tell us which method has helped you fix the problem. If you have any suggestions or know of another solution, then feel free to share them with us as well.
More about the topics:driver,error,Windows 11
Radu Tyrsina
Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time).
For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web.
Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they’re looking for.
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