Troubleshooting Signtool Error: Solutions to Fix 'No Certificates Were Found' Error

If you are a developer, you might have encountered the 'No Certificates Were Found' error while using Signtool. This error occurs when the Signtool is unable to find the certificates needed to sign your code. This can be frustrating, but don't worry. In this guide, we will provide you with some solutions to fix this error.

Possible Solutions to Fix 'No Certificates Were Found' Error

Solution 1: Check if the Certificate is Installed

The first thing you should do is to check if the certificate you are trying to use is installed on your computer. To check this, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key and type ‘certmgr.msc’ in the search box.
2. Click on ‘certmgr.msc’ from the search results to open the Certificate Manager.
3. In the Certificate Manager, expand the ‘Personal’ folder and then click on ‘Certificates.’
4. Look for the certificate you are trying to use. If you don't see it, then you need to install it.

Solution 2: Check if the Certificate is Trusted

Sometimes, the certificate may be installed on your computer, but it is not trusted. To check this, follow these steps:

1. Open the Certificate Manager by following the steps in Solution 1.
2. Expand the ‘Trusted Root Certification Authorities’ folder and then click on ‘Certificates.’
3. Look for the certificate you are trying to use. If you don't see it, then you need to install it.
4. If you see the certificate, double-click on it to open its properties.
5. Check if the certificate is trusted. If it is not, then click on ‘Install Certificate’ and follow the on-screen instructions.

Solution 3: Check if the Certificate is Expired

Certificates have an expiration date, and if the certificate you are trying to use has expired, you will get the 'No Certificates Were Found' error. To check this, follow these steps:

1. Open the Certificate Manager by following the steps in Solution 1.
2. Expand the ‘Personal’ folder and then click on ‘Certificates.’
3. Look for the certificate you are trying to use.
4. Check the expiration date. If the certificate has expired, then you need to renew it.

Solution 4: Check if the Certificate is Corrupted

If the certificate file is corrupted, then you will get the 'No Certificates Were Found' error. To check this, follow these steps:

1. Open the Certificate Manager by following the steps in Solution 1.
2. Expand the ‘Personal’ folder and then click on ‘Certificates.’
3. Look for the certificate you are trying to use.
4. Double-click on the certificate to open its properties.
5. Check if there are any errors. If there are errors, then the certificate file is corrupted, and you need to obtain a new one.

FAQs

Q1. What is Signtool?

Signtool is a command-line tool that is used to digitally sign code, such as executables, libraries, and drivers.

Q2. Why do I get the 'No Certificates Were Found' error?

You get this error when Signtool is unable to find the certificates needed to sign your code.

Q3. Can I use a self-signed certificate with Signtool?

Yes, you can use a self-signed certificate with Signtool, but it is not recommended for production use.

Q4. How do I install a certificate?

You can install a certificate by double-clicking on its file and following the on-screen instructions.

Q5. How do I renew a certificate?

You need to contact the issuer of the certificate to renew it.

Conclusion

We hope that this guide has provided you with some solutions to fix the 'No Certificates Were Found' error when using Signtool. If you have any other questions or suggestions, please let us know.