How to Verify if System Files and Drivers are Digitally Signed in Windows
By Timothy Tibbetts |
System files and drivers are digitally signed for your protection should any changes occur. If you suspect problems with any of your files or drivers, we can verify if any unsigned files are on your computer using Windows Signature Verification.
Before getting started, you should update your drivers, apps, and check Windows Updates.
Video tutorial:
Press the Windows Key + R, type in sigverif, and press Enter or OK.
Press Start.
The Advanced tab has the option of saving a log file, which is on by default and saved to C:\Users\Public\Documents\SIGVERIF.TXT.
If any problems are found, you can Google for the file name. In our example, Windows Signature Verification found nvcpl.dll, which we know is the NVIDIA Control Panel. Updating to the latest NVIDIA drivers, as mentioned early on, should resolve the problem.
There are many cases (malware, viruses) where you have a file you suspect is a problem. In this case, you should run System File Checker.
Some common sense comes into play here. We've seen so many different files appear as not digitally signed that you should have a basic understanding of what the file is, where it is, and why it might be essential before you delete anything. We've seen Microsoft Visual C++ Runtimes appear that aren't a problem, for example.
Similar:
How to Use Driver Verifier Manager to Troubleshoot Driver Issues
Windows Requires a Digitally Signed Driver
What is Windows Hardware Quality Labs or WHQL?
How to Download the Latest Drivers for Windows
What Are Windows DCH Drivers?
How-To Backup and Restore Your Drivers
How-To Stop Windows Updates From Downloading Drivers on Windows 10
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Before getting started, you should update your drivers, apps, and check Windows Updates.
Press the Windows Key + R, type in sigverif, and press Enter or OK.
Press Start.
The Advanced tab has the option of saving a log file, which is on by default and saved to C:\Users\Public\Documents\SIGVERIF.TXT.
If any problems are found, you can Google for the file name. In our example, Windows Signature Verification found nvcpl.dll, which we know is the NVIDIA Control Panel. Updating to the latest NVIDIA drivers, as mentioned early on, should resolve the problem.
There are many cases (malware, viruses) where you have a file you suspect is a problem. In this case, you should run System File Checker.
Some common sense comes into play here. We've seen so many different files appear as not digitally signed that you should have a basic understanding of what the file is, where it is, and why it might be essential before you delete anything. We've seen Microsoft Visual C++ Runtimes appear that aren't a problem, for example.
Similar:
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