How to Bypass “Publisher Could Not Be Verified” Warning in Windows 10

If you are using a Windows PC, probably you’d have seen this message, especially while trying to install applications from some not-so-popular vendors on your computer.

There isn’t anything to worry about this message- it’s just a warning that you can simply ignore. Here, I can summarize the cause of this problem in one sentence, “Windows fails to recognize publisher of that program.”

How this explanation seems to you? If you’ve doubts, try to install programs from any recognized software vendors. For example, let’s try to install Remo Recover 4.0 on the same PC. Perhaps, you’d see a pop-up like this.

Here you can see Windows has identified the program as a verified publisher - which did not happen with the first program. This happens because of  Microsoft's policy that asks vendors to get the approval as verified publisher. For this, the vendor needs to earn a code signing certificate for their product from a trusted third party provider like DigiCert. Consumers often trust programs powered by these certificates like shrink-wrapped programs they purchase from a retail store. Actually, a code signing certificate is nothing more than a document for validating a program in order to prove it has not been altered by a third party.

But, what's the guarantee that such programs do not harm your computer? The reality is, any software vendor can acquire a code signing certificate for their program for a sum of money. So, how can you assure that such programs do not have malicious nature?

Also, you can't blindly consider that an unverified program will disrupt your system. So it doesn't matter if a program is verified or unverified, sometimes these programs can put your PC at risk.

Precaution you should take before Running an Unverified Program

It is always best to run a verified program, but if you still want to run a program from unknown source ignoring the security warning, it is recommended to at least create a system restore point. So that you can always restore the system to a previous working state if something goes wrong.

Methods to Unblock File from any Publisher in Windows 10

1^st Method

While trying to install program from an unknown publisher on your Windows 10 PC, you might have seen a check box saying “Always ask for opening this file”. Just tick the check box. Next time, when you try to open that particular file, you’ll not see the publisher could not be verified warning.

 

2^nd Method

Right click on the file and select properties option. On the bottom of General tab, you'll see a security tab saying “This file came from another computer and might be blocked to help protect this computer” and an “Unblock” check box to its right.

Note: This method will work only if your file is in a location where your account has permission. For example- Desktop, Downloads, Documents …

 

3^rd Method – for Advanced Users

1. “Windows + R” Key to launch the “Run Utility”.
2. Type gpedit.msc and press enter to access Local Group Policy Editor.
3. Select “User Configuration” -> “Administrative Templates” -> “Windows Components” -> “Attachment Manager”.
4. On the right pane of the windows, you’ll see certain settings. You’ve to open “inclusion list for moderate risk file types” setting.
5. Configure the policy setting to “Enabled” state and in the ‘options’ textbox, specify the high-risk file extensions separate by a period.
6. Logoff you system and Login again. You’ll never see “Publisher Could Not Be Verified” warning for your particular file type in the future.