How to Fix the Unknown Publisher Warning with a Code Signing Certificate?

What is an Unknown Publisher Warning?

When you download software from the internet, you may have encountered the “Unknown Publisher” warning. This warning appears when the software you are installing doesn’t have a digital signature from a trusted certificate authority. This warning can be a red flag for many users, causing them to abandon the installation process altogether.

Fortunately, there is a simple solution to this issue: using a code signing certificate. Code signing certificates are digital certificates issued by certificate authorities that verify the identity of the software publisher and verify that the code has not been tampered with. This verification gives users the confidence to trust and install the software without encountering the “Unknown Publisher” warning.

Here’s how to fix the unknown publisher warning with a code signing certificate:

Obtain a code signing certificate

The first step to fixing the unknown publisher warning is to obtain a code signing certificate from a trusted certificate authority. There are several reputable certificate authorities that offer code signing certificates, such as Sectigo, Comodo, and DigiCert.

Sign your code

Once you have obtained your code signing certificate, the next step is to sign your code. This involves adding a digital signature to your software that verifies its authenticity and that it has not been tampered with. There are several tools available to help you sign your code, including Microsoft’s SignTool and OpenSSL.

Verify the signature

Finally, you need to verify that the digital signature is working and that the code has been signed correctly. This can be done by checking the properties of the software after installation and looking for the digital signature information.

By using a code signing certificate, you can eliminate the unknown publisher warning and provide users with a secure and trusted way to install your software. Code signing certificates help build trust and confidence in your software, making it more likely for users to download and install it.

In conclusion, fixing the unknown publisher warning with a code signing certificate is a straightforward process. Obtaining a code signing certificate from a trusted certificate authority, signing your code, and verifying the signature are the key steps involved. By taking these steps, you can provide users with a secure and trusted way to install your software and avoid the unknown publisher warning.