Why Windows Shows “Unknown Publisher” During Installation – Official Explanation
As the official developer and administrator of this software, I want to directly address a common concern faced by our users during installation – the message “Unknown Publisher” displayed by Windows. This post explains why this happens, whether it is safe, and what you can do.
What Does “Unknown Publisher” Actually Mean?
When you install software on Windows, the operating system checks if the application has been digitally signed with a
code-signing certificate. These certificates are issued by
commercial authorities and cost between
₹25,000 to ₹50,000 per year.
Few of the code signing authorities are
Vendor / Brand |
Certificate Type |
Price Estimate |
Sectigo (OV Code Signing) |
Standard Code Signing |
₹ 24,136/year (~₹ 24 K) |
Sectigo EV Code Signing |
Extended Validation |
₹ 31,696/year (~₹ 31.7 K) |
DigiCert (Standard Code Signing) |
Standard |
₹ 34,356/year (~₹ 34.4 K) |
DigiCert EV Code Signing |
Extended Validation |
₹ 48,412/year (~₹ 48.4 K) |
Comodo / Budget Provider |
Standard Code Signing |
₹ 19,444/year (~₹ 19.4 K) |
Comodo / Budget EV Code Signing |
Extended Validation |
₹ 25,511/year (~₹ 25.5 K) |
Large corporations purchase these certificates and include the cost in their product pricing. As an independent developer, I choose not to pass this cost onto my users in order to keep the software affordable, accessible, and free from unnecessary pricing.
Does “Unknown Publisher” Mean the Software is Unsafe?
-
No, it does not. It simply means the software is not signed with a paid certificate.
-
Our software is 100% safe, offline, and does not collect or transmit any data.
-
It is developed and maintained transparently by me, and all features are demonstrated publicly on our YouTube channel.
Why We Do Not Use Paid Code-Signing Certificates
-
Code-signing certificates are expensive and renewed every year.
-
For small developers, the cost is higher than the total annual revenue.
-
To keep our software affordable and accessible, we prioritize functionality over expensive certificates.
How to Install the Software Safely
When you see the warning:
-
Click “More Info”
-
Click “Run Anyway”
This action simply tells Windows that you personally trust the developer.
Official Safety Assurance
-
The software runs entirely offline.
-
No hidden processes, spyware, or background data transfers.
-
Thousands of users have successfully installed and are using it without any security issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this warning shown because the application is unsafe?
No. This warning does not indicate a virus or risk. It appears only because the software is not signed with a paid certificate.
Will the software harm my computer?
Absolutely not. The application is safe, tested, and used by real users from our community.
Will this warning be removed in future?
Yes. Once our user base and revenue grow, we will implement digital signing to remove this warning while keeping the software affordable.
Your Trust Keeps This Project Alive
Instead of spending on expensive certificates, I focus on developing new features, improving stability, and supporting the user community. If you find this software useful, you can support us by subscribing to our YouTube channel or sharing the tool with others.
Also Applies to
Similar Posts :
Understanding the Unknown Publisher Warning in Windows Installers,
Windows Shows Unknown Publisher During Installing Sithars Astrology,
Unknown Publisher–The Reality Every Independent Developer Faces, See Also:
Unknown Publisher