Microsoft Kernel-Mode Code Signing Certificates

Kernel-Mode Code Signing Certificates allow you to sign kernel-mode software and device drivers. The x64 editions of Windows Vista and Windows 7 requires all kernel-mode software to be digitally signed by a trusted authority. When you sign your code using a Kernel-Mode Code Signing Certificate, your users will know that it comes from a trusted source (you) and Windows Vista and Windows 7 will inherently trust it. If you don't sign your kernel-mode software and device drivers,your users will see the following message and won't be able to install anything:

By using Kernel-Mode Certificates to sign your software you:

  • Prove your identity to your users
  • Ensure that the software can’t be modified afterwards
  • Allow the kernel-mode software to be installed on x64 Vista and Windows 7 machines

Because Kernel-Mode Code Certificates need to be issued by a trusted certificate authority, you will need to purchase one from one of the providers listed below. Use the comparison chart below to find out which Kernel-Mode Code Certificates will meet your needs the best and provide the greatest value. You can compare prices, compatibility, provider reviews and ratings, support, and other features. After clicking the Buy Now button, make sure to select Windows Authenticode as the certificate type so that the provider generates the certificate in the appropriate format. To learn more about code signing, read What is Code Signing? or Microsoft’s Kernel-Mode Code Signing Walkthrough.

Certificate Name DigiCert's Code Signing StartCom's Code Signing GlobalSign's Code Signing Certificate Symantec's Code Signing Certificate
Buy Now Buy Now Buy Now Buy Now Buy Now
Certificate Authority
DigiCert
StartCom
GlobalSign
Symantec
Certificate Authority Rating
From 473 reviews
From 195 reviews
From 86 reviews
From 12 reviews
Price For 1 Year
$223
$199
$229
$499
Price For 2 Years $397.00 $199.90 $422.00 $895.00

Supports Windows Authenticode Signing 		Yes Yes Yes Yes

Supports Apple OS X Signing 		Yes Yes Yes Yes

Supports Microsoft Office VBA Signing 		Yes Yes Yes Yes

Supports Sun Java Signing 		Yes Yes Yes Yes

Supports Adobe Air Signing 		Yes Yes Yes Yes

Supports Windows Vista x64 Kernel Mode Signing 		Yes Yes Yes Yes
Multiple Year Options Up to 3 Years Up to 2 Years Up to 3 Years Up to 3 Years
Issuance Speed Within 1 day after all documentation is received 1 to 7 business days once documents are received Within 1 day after all documentation is received 2-4 business days
Validation Required Organization Validation Extensive Organization and Domain Validation Organization Validation Organization Validation
Number of Free Reissues Allowed Unlimited until expired 0 Unlimited until expired Unlimited for 30 days
Support Options Free Chat, Phone and E-mail, Monday-Thursday 24 hrs., Friday 12 am-7 pm, Saturday 10 am-5 pm MST Free Chat, Phone and E-mail, 24/7 Free phone and email, Mon to Fri - 8am to 10pm EST + limited evening and weekend support Free Chat, Phone and E-mail, Monday-Friday 5AM-6PM PST, Multi-lingual
Support Reviews Read reviews Read reviews Read reviews Read reviews
Refund Policy Full refund within 30 days of issuance No refund Full refund within 7 days of issuance Full refund within 30 days of issuance
Warranty $0 $2,000 $10,000 $0
Learn More Learn More Learn More Learn More Learn More
Buy Now Buy Now Buy Now Buy Now Buy Now

Microsoft Kernel-Mode Code Signing Resources: