Windows 7. Test mode: all the details

For many users in Windows 7, the test mode is a familiar topic. However, few people will answer the question about why it is necessary to translate the system into this regime.

It all started with Microsoft tightening the requirements for the drivers that are installed on the 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 the screen shows "Windows can not verify the publisher of this driver software", then your driver is not certified. Even if then you try to continue the installation, and this option is present, the system still will not allow this. The same situation occurs when installing some programs and utilities. This is where the test mode comes in to help users. When Windows 7 operates in it, you can safely install unsigned drivers on your device, be it a computer or a netbook.

What is a signed driver?

Drivers are signed and unsigned. The difference is only in the presence 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 digital signature, you can also determine the publisher of the driver. If you do not have one, 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 can not decide which case is exceptional and which is not, you should not worry: there are not so many controversial situations like this. Before hastily moving the system into test mode, find out more about the device driver for which you are installing. Of course, unlicensed programs are unsafe, and drivers without a digital signature are much more harmful to your computer. It's worth the risk to install unsigned drivers only on devices that are already a little outdated. For example, not all older printers and scanners can now find licensed drivers. But, nevertheless, we must somehow work with these devices. This situation really will be considered exceptional, so, dear users of Windows 7, the test mode will save you in this case.

Inclusion

The transition to the test mode when installing certain programs and utilities will occur according to your agreement - during the installation process, you may receive a window in which you need to give permission to transfer the system to the appropriate mode. But in most cases it will have to be turned on yourself. This is almost as easy 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.

Disconnecting

After the drivers have been installed, you should remove the Windows 7 test mode. There are two methods for this, slightly different from each other. The first option is similar to the inclusion of this mode. Go to "Start", then "Run". Enter the following: bcdedit.exe -set TESTSIGNING OFF. The second method, perhaps a little easier. The above text must be entered after pressing the "Win + R" key combination . Test mode is disabled.

In Windows 7, the test mode is not the most everyday, but still the right thing, especially right after moving to Windows 7 from any other. The operating system is changing, but the devices remain the same. So do not be afraid in this case to use the test mode. But in other situations, after all, you should contact licensed drivers.

If you did not configure the PC, consider that the system implemented a special solution that allows you to check the presence of a signature on the drivers.