Windows Requires a Digitally Signed Driver Error When Installing NI Software

Updated Dec 16, 2020

Reported In

Operating System

  • Windows

Other

  • Windows 7 SP1
  • Windows. Embedded Standard 7 SP1
  • Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1

Issue Details

When installing any NI software, Windows gives me an installation error dialog box similar to the one below:
 
 
Windows requires a digitally signed driver
 
What does this error mean and how do I fix it?

 

Solution

This error indicates that your version of Windows in unable to support the SHA-256 certificate with which NI software is signed. Windows 7 SP1, Windows. Embedded Standard 7 SP1, and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 require Microsoft updates to support SHA-256. Refer to Microsoft KB3033929 or KB3125574 for more information about how to install these updates. 

Additional Information

On May 1, 2021, NI software will drop support for Microsoft Windows 7 (32- and 64-bit), Windows Server 2008 R2, and all 32-bit Windows operating systems. NI hardware and software released after May 1, 2021, may not install or execute correctly on those operating systems. Check here for more information.