Windows SDK Signing Tools

Microsoft Corporation – Shareware

Empower Your Application Development with Confidence

David Fischer

12/30/2024

The Windows SDK Signing Tools provide essential utilities for developers to securely sign their applications, ensuring integrity and authenticity in the software distribution process.

The Windows SDK Signing Tools by Microsoft Corporation is a software package that includes tools for signing and verifying files using digital certificates. This package is available for download from the Microsoft website and can be used with various programming languages and development environments.

The package includes the following tools:

SignTool.exe: A command-line tool that allows developers to sign code and data using digital certificates.
CertMgr.exe: A command-line tool that manages digital certificates on a Windows-based computer.
MakeCert.exe: A command-line tool that creates X.509 certificates for testing purposes.

The Windows SDK Signing Tools are primarily used by developers who want to ensure the authenticity and integrity of their software applications. By digitally signing code, developers can provide users with a higher level of assurance that the software has not been tampered with or modified. In addition, signed code is more likely to be trusted by security software and operating systems.

The Windows SDK Signing Tools are compatible with Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2012 R2, and Windows Server 2012. They require a valid digital certificate to function properly.

Overview

Windows SDK Signing Tools is a Shareware software in the category Miscellaneous developed by Microsoft Corporation.

The users of our client application UpdateStar have checked Windows SDK Signing Tools for updates 31 times during the last month.

The latest version of Windows SDK Signing Tools is currently unknown. It was initially added to our database on 12/18/2020.

Windows SDK Signing Tools runs on the following operating systems: Windows.

Windows SDK Signing Tools has not been rated by our users yet.

Pros

Provides tools for code signing and certificate management, enhancing software security.
Integration with Visual Studio enhances usability for developers.
Comprehensive documentation to assist developers in understanding usage and best practices.
Supports multiple file types, including executable files, ensuring versatility.
Regular updates and support from Microsoft ensure compatibility with latest Windows versions.

Cons

May require a learning curve for beginners unfamiliar with signing processes.
Limited to Windows environment, which may not suit developers targeting cross-platform applications.
Dependency on an external Certificate Authority can incur additional costs and complexities.
Performance overhead in some cases, potentially increasing build times due to signing processes.
Occasional issues with compatibility with third-party tools or libraries during integration.

FAQ

What are Windows SDK Signing Tools?

Windows SDK Signing Tools are a set of utilities provided by Microsoft that allow developers to digitally sign their applications and code, ensuring authenticity and integrity.

How do I install the Windows SDK Signing Tools?

You can install the Windows SDK Signing Tools by downloading the Windows SDK from the Microsoft website and selecting the signing tools during installation.

What file types can I sign with Windows SDK Signing Tools?

You can sign various file types, including executable files (.exe), dynamic link libraries (.dll), and cabinet files (.cab).

Do I need a code-signing certificate to use these signing tools?

Yes, you will need a valid code-signing certificate issued by a trusted certificate authority (CA) to sign your applications.

Can I use Windows SDK Signing Tools for free?

Yes, the tools themselves are free to use, but you will need to purchase a code-signing certificate from a certificate authority.

Is it necessary to sign my applications?

While not mandatory, signing your applications is highly recommended as it helps establish trust with users and prevents tampering.

What is the difference between SHA-1 and SHA-256 in signing?

SHA-1 is an older hashing algorithm, while SHA-256 is newer and considered more secure due to its longer hash length, making it less vulnerable to attacks.

Can I use these tools on Windows 10?

Yes, the Windows SDK Signing Tools are compatible with Windows 10 and later versions.

What types of signatures can be applied using these tools?

You can apply standard signatures, timestamp signatures, and Authenticode signatures using the Windows SDK Signing Tools.

Where can I find documentation for using the Windows SDK Signing Tools?

Documentation for the Windows SDK Signing Tools can be found on the Microsoft Docs website under the specific section for SDK reference materials.

David Fischer

I am a technology writer for UpdateStar, covering software, security, and privacy as well as research and innovation in information security. I worked as an editor for German computer magazines for more than a decade before joining the UpdateStar team. With over a decade of editorial experience in the tech industry, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to my current role at UpdateStar. At UpdateStar, I focus on the critical areas of software, security, and privacy, ensuring our readers stay informed about the latest developments and best practices.

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Installations

31 users of UpdateStar had Windows SDK Signing Tools installed last month.

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