Fix “Publisher Could Not Be Verified” Error in Windows 10

The “Publisher Could Not Be Verified” error in Windows 10 typically occurs when you try to run a program or open a file that Windows does not recognize or trust. This error is a security feature that aims to protect your computer from potentially harmful or unverified software. While it’s important to be cautious, there are ways to bypass or resolve this error if you trust the source of the file or program. Publisher Could Not Be Verified” is a Windows warning indicating that a software or file lacks a trusted digital signature, raising security concerns. 

Here are a few reasons why you might encounter the “Publisher Could Not Be Verified” error:

1. Unsigned Software: The software or file does not have a valid digital signature from a trusted publisher.
2. Downloaded from the Internet: Files downloaded from the internet are often flagged as potentially unsafe until their authenticity is verified.
3. Incomplete or Corrupted Signature: Even if a signature is present, it may be incomplete or corrupted, leading to verification issues.
4. Untrusted Publisher: The publisher of the software is not recognized as reputable by the operating system, leading to a warning message.
5. Local or Network Locations: Files from certain local or network locations might trigger this error, as they are considered less secure.
6. Group Policy or Security Settings: In some cases, group policies or security settings on your computer can cause this error to appear for specific files.

Here are some methods to fix the error:

1. Unblock the File:

   • Right-click on the file that triggers the error.
   • Select “Properties” from the context menu.
   • In the Properties window, at the bottom, you may see a security warning message saying “This file came from another computer and might be blocked to help protect this computer.” Next to it, there may be an “Unblock” button. Click the “Unblock” button.
   • Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes.
   • Try running the file again.

2. Use Group Policy Editor (for advanced users):

   • Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
   • Type “gpedit.msc” and press Enter to open the Local Group Policy Editor.
   • Navigate to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Attachment Manager.
   • Locate and double-click on the “Do not preserve zone information in file attachments” policy.
   • Select the “Enabled” option.
   • Click “Apply” and then “OK.”
   • Close the Local Group Policy Editor and restart your computer.

3. Use the Registry Editor (for advanced users):

   • Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
   • Type “regedit” and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
   • Navigate to the following key:
     HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Attachments

      

   • In the right pane, right-click and create a new DWORD value named “SaveZoneInformation.”
   • Set the value of SaveZoneInformation to “1.”
   • Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.
4. Digital Signature:
   If you have the ability to obtain a digital signature for the file or program, you can do so. A digital signature verifies the authenticity of the software and can help eliminate the error.
5. Use an Alternative Program: If you encounter this error with a specific program, consider using an alternative program that is already recognized and trusted by Windows.
6. Contact the Software Vendor: If the file or program causing the error is from a legitimate source, you can contact the software vendor or developer to inquire about obtaining a verified version or troubleshooting the issue.

Remember that bypassing this error may pose security risks if you’re not certain about the trustworthiness of the file or program. Be cautious when executing files from unknown or untrusted sources, and only use these methods if you’re confident in the safety of the software you’re trying to run.