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Identify drivers that trigger test mode

Anonymous
2021-07-16T15:38:11+00:00

I have just upgraded my license from Windows 10 Home x64 to Pro and now get the dreaded "Test Mode" all over my main screen, and I cannot find out how to locate the root cause or permanently turn of what ever check is being carried out.

It seems to pop up an hour or so after I reboot.

sfc /scannow

no issues reported

bcdedit -set TESTSIGNING OFF

bcdedit /set nointegritychecks off

Have changed bios to allows these command to run.

Both return success, and after a reboot the watermark is gone, then reappears.

These and similar commands seem to be a temporary fix to hide/disable the message only

sigverif

Reports that "Your files have been scanned and verified as digitally signed"

Event Logs

Cannot see anything obvious in the logs to say what specific item(s) have been picked up

Windows Update

No updates to be installed

Clean Boot

I have tried msconfig and unchecked all non-Microsoft items, rebooted and still after an hour or so Test Mode returns.

How can I identify what ever windows thinks is not approved/verified, or how can I just disable these checks.

I never had any issues with Win10 Home, so I guess it is a "feature" of the Pro edition.

Edition Windows 10 Enterprise

Version 21H1

Installed on ‎25/‎05/‎2021

OS build 19043.1110

Experience Windows Feature Experience Pack 120.2212.3920.0

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Security and privacy

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DaveM121 891.1K Reputation points Independent Advisor
2021-07-16T16:12:11+00:00

Hi Andrew,

I am Dave, an Independent Advisor, I will help you with this.

You indicated you upgraded from Windows 10 Home to Pro, and yet you now have Windows 10 Enterprise installed, this is a known bug in the upgrade process.

Disconnect totally from the Internet

Open the Settings App (Gear icon on your Starr Menu)

Go to Update and Security - Activation

Click Change Product key

Enter this generic product key: VK7JG-NPHTM-C97JM-9MPGT-3V66T

When prompted, click 'Activate Product'

If the above does not work first time, restart (not shut down) your PC and try again

Note the generic key will cause Enterprise to downgrade to the Pro edition, then your own legal licence will activate automatically after you restart (not shut down) your PC

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  1. Anonymous
    2021-07-19T09:09:54+00:00

    Thank you - went back into the license section, and yes the existing activation was now showing as failed.

    Have tried you steps exactly and this has worked.

    Thank you

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