For many users in Windows 7, test mode is a familiar topic. However, few people will answer the question of why it is necessary to transfer the system to this mode.
It all started with the tightening of Microsoft requirements for drivers that are installed on a device with Windows 7. Now all of them must be certified by Microsoft. This is confirmed by a special digital signature. The system checks each installed driver before starting the installation. If you decide to install new drivers, and “Windows can't verify the publisher of this driver software” appears on the screen, then your driver is not certified. Even if you then try to continue the installation, and such an option is present, the system will still not allow this. The same situation occurs when installing some programs and utilities. This is where the test mode comes to the aid of users. When Windows 7 operates in it, you can safely install unsigned drivers on your device, whether it be a computer or a netbook.
What is a signed driver?
Drivers are signed and unsigned. The only difference is the availability of a digital signature. This is an electronic security label that confirms that the driver you have is licensed and has not been subjected to any changes. By digitally signing, you can also determine the publisher of the driver. If there is none, then installing an existing product can be risky, so in Windows 7 the test mode for installing such drivers should be used in exceptional cases.
Install or not install?
If you cannot decide which case is exceptional and which is not, you should not worry: there are not so many similar disputes. Before hastily putting the system into test mode, find out more about the device for which you are installing drivers. Of course, unlicensed programs are unsafe, and drivers without a digital signature are much more harmful for your computer. It’s worth the risk of installing unsigned drivers only on devices that are already at least slightly outdated. For example, not all old printers and scanners can now find licensed drivers. But, nevertheless, we must somehow work with these devices. This situation will indeed be considered exceptional, so, dear Windows 7 users, the test mode will save you in this case.
Turning on
The transition to the test mode during the installation of some programs and utilities will occur according to your agreement - during the installation process, a window may appear in which you need to give approval to put the system in the appropriate mode. But in most cases, you will have to turn it on yourself. To do this is almost as simple as disabling the test mode of Windows 7. So, go to the "Start" menu, select the "Run" line and enter the following code: bcdedit.exe -set TESTSIGNING ON.
Shutdown
After the driver installation is complete, you should remove the test mode of Windows 7. There are two ways to do this, slightly differing from each other. The first option resembles the inclusion of this mode. Go to "Start", then to "Run." Enter the following: bcdedit.exe -set TESTSIGNING OFF. The second way is perhaps a little easier. The above text must be entered after pressing the key combination
"Win + R". Test mode is disabled.
In Windows 7, the test mode is not the most everyday, but still a necessary thing, especially immediately after switching to Windows 7 with any other. The OS is changing, but the devices remain the same. So do not be afraid to use the test mode in this case. But in other situations, you should still turn to licensed drivers.
If you are not involved in setting up a PC, consider that the system has a special solution that allows you to check for a signature on the drivers.