How to Sign Code with a Microsoft Authenticode Signing Certificate

8 steps to make a Microsoft Authenticode signature

Knowing how to sign an exe is vital for any software developer or publisher. As such, Microsoft Authenticode signatures are a critical component of any software. As we discussed in another article, code signing asserts the identity of the software developer and identifies whether the software has been altered in any way since it was signed. This is why knowing how to sign code using a Microsoft Authenticode signing certificate is a must for any software professional.

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8 Quick Steps on How to Sign Code

So, how do you make a Microsoft Authenticode Signature? Let’s take a look at how to sign your code:

1. Run the SDK command prompt in the Digital Signing Wizard.
2. Type “signtool.exe” and click enter, then click next.
3. Find the file you’d like to sign.
4. Under signing options, click “Typical.”
5. Click “Select from Store” and then click next.
6. Choose the certificate you’ll be signing with.
7. Enter a quick description for the software.
8. Select next, make sure you’re timestamping and then click next again.

Voila! Your software has officially been signed.