How to fix Error 577 on Windows 11

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Troubleshooting Guide: Error 577 – Windows Cannot Verify Digital Signature

Why This Error Happens

Error 577 occurs when Windows Code Integrity detects that a system file’s digital signature is missing, corrupted, or doesn’t match the expected cryptographic hash during boot. This is typically caused by improper system shutdowns, disk corruption affecting boot-critical files, or malware tampering with signed drivers/executables. It can also occur when third-party software modifies protected system files without proper certification.

Step-by-Step Resolution Guide

  1. Boot into Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)
    Restart your PC, and if it doesn’t boot normally, Windows should automatically enter WinRE. If not, force it by interrupting boot 2-3 times, or boot from Windows 11 installation media and select Repair your computer.

  2. Run Startup Repair
    Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair. Let Windows scan and attempt to automatically fix boot configuration and signature issues.

  3. Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM
    From Advanced options > Command Prompt, run the following commands in sequence:

   sfc /scannow
   DISM /Image:C:\ /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
   DISM /Image:C:\ /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

Note: If your Windows drive isn’t C: in WinRE, identify it first using diskpart > list volume.

  1. Check and Repair Boot Configuration Data (BCD)
    Still in Command Prompt, run:
   bootrec /fixmbr
   bootrec /fixboot
   bootrec /scanos
   bootrec /rebuildbcd
  1. Disable Driver Signature Enforcement (Temporary Diagnostic Step)
    If the error points to a specific third-party driver, boot into Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart, then press F7 to disable driver signature enforcement temporarily. If the system boots successfully, uninstall or update the offending driver immediately afterward.

Alternative or Verification Steps

  • Verify the fix: Reboot normally and check Event Viewer (eventvwr.msc) under Windows Logs > System, filtering for Event ID 577, to confirm no new instances appear.
  • Alternative solution: If the issue persists, use System Restore (Advanced options > System Restore) to roll back to a restore point created before the corruption occurred, or perform a Windows 11 in-place upgrade repair using installation media without losing files.