A “Test Mode” watermark in the bottom-right corner of the desktop means Windows is set to load drivers that aren’t signed by Microsoft. It’s usually turned on by driver developers, some hardware or modding tools, or older software installers, and it’s often left on by accident. You can turn it off with one command. This guide shows how, explains why you might want to check first, and covers what to do if the watermark doesn’t go away.
Quick Answer
Open Command Prompt as administrator, run bcdedit /set testsigning off, and restart your PC. The Test Mode watermark disappears after the restart.
What Is Test Mode?
Normally, Windows only loads kernel-mode drivers that carry a trusted digital signature. Test Mode (test signing) relaxes that rule so developers can load drivers signed with their own test certificate. When it’s on, Windows shows a watermark such as “Test Mode” with the edition and build number above the clock.
Test Mode lowers security because it makes it easier for untrusted drivers, including malicious ones, to load. Unless you need it for a specific driver, it’s best to leave it off.
Before You Turn It Off
If you or a program turned on Test Mode for a reason, such as a custom driver for a controller, a virtual audio device or a development board, that driver may stop working after you turn Test Mode off. Check Device Manager after restarting; a device with a yellow warning icon and Code 52 means Windows blocked an unsigned driver. Look for a properly signed version of the driver from the manufacturer.
How to Remove Test Mode in Windows 10
- Click Start, type cmd, then right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator. Click Yes in the User Account Control prompt. (Windows Terminal or PowerShell as administrator also works.)
- Type the following and press Enter:
bcdedit /set testsigning off - Wait for The operation completed successfully.
- Restart your PC.
The same steps work on Windows 11.
If the Watermark Is Still There
Some tools also disable driver signature checks. Run this command as administrator, then restart again:
bcdedit /set nointegritychecks off
To see the current settings, run bcdedit /enum {current} and look for testsigning and nointegritychecks. If they’re listed as Yes, the commands haven’t taken effect yet. If they aren’t listed at all, they’re off.
Troubleshooting Errors
- “Access is denied” or “The boot configuration data store could not be opened”: Command Prompt isn’t running as administrator. Close it and reopen it with Run as administrator.
- “The value is protected by Secure Boot policy”: This usually appears when trying to turn test signing on with Secure Boot enabled. When turning it off, it rarely appears, but if it does, check that you’re editing the right boot entry with
bcdedit /enum. - Multiple Windows installations: If you have more than one boot entry, add the entry’s identifier, for example
bcdedit /set {identifier} testsigning off. - BitLocker: Changing boot settings can trigger a BitLocker recovery key prompt on the next start. Make sure you have your BitLocker recovery key before you begin.
Is It Test Mode or Something Else?
- “Activate Windows”: This watermark means Windows isn’t activated. See how to get rid of the Activate Windows watermark.
- “Safe Mode” in all four corners: You started in Safe Mode. Restart normally.
- “Evaluation copy” or an Insider build number: You’re running a trial or preview version of Windows. This isn’t controlled by bcdedit.
How to Turn Test Mode Back On
If you need it later for driver development, run bcdedit /set testsigning on as administrator and restart. You’ll usually have to turn off Secure Boot in your PC’s UEFI settings first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Test Mode dangerous?
It isn’t harmful by itself, but it weakens a protection that stops unsigned drivers from loading, so malware has an easier time. Turn it off unless you need it.
Can I just hide the watermark instead?
Watermark-removal tools patch system files and can cause instability or trigger antivirus warnings. Turning off Test Mode is safer.
Did something install Test Mode without asking?
Some older driver installers and game mods enable it. If you don’t recognize the cause, run a full scan with Windows Security after turning it off.
Will turning off Test Mode delete anything?
No. It only changes a boot setting. Unsigned drivers are no longer loaded, but they aren’t deleted.
Summary
- Open Command Prompt as administrator.
- Run bcdedit /set testsigning off.
- If needed, also run bcdedit /set nointegritychecks off.
- Restart your PC.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.