[Fix] “The timestamp signature and/or certificate could not be verified or is malformed” error in Windows

What causes [Fix] “The timestamp signature and/or certificate could not be verified or is malformed” error in Windows?

Outdated Windows system
Restrictions from the Execution Policy
Corrupted system files
Incorrect date and time settings
Third-party antivirus software interference

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Hello. I tried to install .NET Framework on my Windows laptop but I received the "The timestamp signature and/or certificate could not be verified or is malformed" error. How do I fix this?

The "The timestamp signature and/or certificate could not be verified or is malformed" error is an issue that can occur when installing certain applications on Windows, such as DotNetFramework or LogMeIn Go to Assist. This error is typically caused by an outdated Windows system or restrictions from the Execution Policy[ref en-1] of the system.

This error can impact users by preventing them from installing the necessary application, which can prevent them from using certain features or programs that depend on that application. Possible solutions include updating the Windows system, disabling the Execution Policy, and disabling third-party antivirus software temporarily during the installation.

Additionally, checking the date and time on the computer and ensuring they are set correctly can also help resolve this issue. In this guide, you will find 5 steps that should help you fix "The timestamp signature and/or certificate could not be verified or is malformed" error in Windows.

Keep in mind that the manual troubleshooting process can be lengthy. To avoid this, you can use an automatic maintenance tool like [d1] that can fix most system errors, BSODs,[ref en-2] corrupted files, and registry[ref en-3] issues. Otherwise, follow the step-by-step instructions below.

The timestamp signature andor certificate could not be verified or is malformed

Solution 1. Fix Corrupted System Files

Use Command Prompt commands to repair system file corruption:

Open Command Prompt as administrator
Use the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow

Reboot your system
If SFC returned an error, then use the following command lines, pressing Enter after each:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Solution 2. Update Windows

Click Start and select Settings
Go to the Windows Update section
Click Check for updates and wait

Go to the Advanced options and install optional updates
Reboot your system

Solution 3. Install the latest .NET framework version

Open your web browser and navigate to the official Microsoft website

Click on the latest and recommended .NET Framework
Click on the Download .NET Framework Runtime and let the download complete
Once the download is complete, launch the .NET Framework installer as administrator
Check if the installer successfully installs without encountering the certificate verification issue

Solution 4. Disable Code Signing of the Driver Package

Code Signing of the Driver Package in the Group Policy is a security feature that ensures that the drivers installed on a Windows system are from a trusted source and have not been tampered with. It is used to verify the authenticity of the driver and its publisher before it is installed on the system.

However, in some cases, the Code Signing of the Driver Package feature may cause issues during the installation of an application, resulting in the "The timestamp signature and/or certificate could not be verified or is malformed" error. Disabling Code Signing of the Driver Package can help to fix this issue.

To disable Code Signing of the Driver Package in Windows 11, you can follow the instructions provided in an in-depth guide How to disable Driver Signature Enforcement in Windows 11?. This guide will provide detailed instructions on how to perform this process, including screenshots and step-by-step instructions.

Solution 5. Perform an Upgrade Install

If previous solutions have not resolved the issue, you can use a Windows ISO to perform an in-place upgrade. To do so, download the necessary tool from the Microsoft website. Before proceeding, temporarily disable or uninstall any third-party antivirus software and disconnect any unnecessary peripherals (excluding the mouse and keyboard).

Visit the official Microsoft website and download the Windows installation media
Double-click the installer and select Yes when UAC shows up

Agree to the terms and click Next
Select Upgrade this PC now and select Next
Windows will now download all the necessary files – it might take sometime
Agree to terms once again and click Next
Before installing, make sure that you are happy with your choices (otherwise, you can click Change what to keep option)
Click Install to begin the upgrade process.

Bottom line

To fix the error, you can try updating your Windows system, disabling the Execution Policy, and temporarily disabling third-party antivirus software. Additionally, repairing corrupted system files using Command Prompt and ensuring the date and time are set correctly may help. If none of these solutions work, consider using an automatic maintenance tool to fix system errors.

Frequently asked questions

What causes the 'timestamp signature and/or certificate could not be verified or is malformed' error in Windows 10?

This error typically occurs due to an expired or invalid digital certificate associated with a software application or update in Windows 10.

How can I resolve the timestamp signature error on Windows 11?

To fix this error on Windows 11, ensure that your system date and time are correct, and try reinstalling or updating the affected software.

Is there a way to bypass the timestamp signature error in Windows?

While it's possible to bypass the error by modifying security settings, it's not recommended as it may expose your system to security risks on Windows 10 or Windows 11.

Did this fix work for you?

Written & verified by

Gabriel E. Hall

Malware Removal Expert

Malware removal Ransomware recovery Browser hijackers Spyware analysis Security tools testing

Gabriel E. Hall is a malware removal expert and cybersecurity researcher with over ten years of hands-on experience analysing threats and writing removal guides. She has documented hundreds of malware families — from browser hijackers and adware to ransomware and rootkits — providing step-by-step cleanup instructions tested against real infections. Gabriel's work combines deep technical analysis with clear, actionable language that readers without a security background can follow. Her guides consistently appear among the most-referenced resources for malware removal on Windows systems.

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