ClickOnce Code Signing Certificates

Getting a ClickOnce Code Signing Certificate Is Easier Than You Think

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Still looking for more information about code signing certificates for Visual Studio ClickOnce manifests? Look no further….

Executables and Other Codes

But a code signing certificate’s uses don’t stop there. They’re versatile digital certificates that can also be used to sign software executables and other types of code, including:

• Windows drivers (an extended validation [EV] certificate is required for kernel-mode code signing)
• Scripts
• Macros
• Java files
• Executable

It’s important to sign your setup files in addition to your manifests to ensure your verified digital identity information displays to users when installing your apps.

Why You Should Sign Your Manifests Using a Publicly Trusted Certificate

Technically, you can use one of two types of code signing certificates when using ClickOnce signing:

1. Self-signed certificate — This is a free certificate you issue and sign. It’s not trusted on other devices without additional steps, and it’s never trusted on open networks.
2. Publicly trusted certificate — This is a commercial certificate that’s issued by a trusted third-party certification authority (CA) after verifying your digital identity.

But don’t be fooled — signing your manifests or executables with a self-signed certificate is virtually never a good idea. Here’s why…

Self-Signed Certificates Are Meant for Testing Only

Self-signed code signing certificates should never be used to sign software or code for use on another network device or distributed publicly.

When installing self-signed software on another network device, you must manually install the self-signed certificate onto the recipient device for it to be trusted (This approach isn’t practical for cross-network deployment or public distribution and provides no identity validation.)

Self-Signed and Unsigned Software Display Scary Warnings

Users who install your app will see the unflattering “Unknown Publisher” warning messages. This isn’t a good look for your brand or software products and can tarnish your reputation.

Publicly Trusted Digital Signatures Build Trust in Your Software

Adding a publicly trusted digital signature allows you to display your verified company name. This is only possible because a third-party CA vetted your organization’s identity for authenticity before issuing the ClickOnce code signing certificate.

Using a Trusted Certificate Helps Avoid Your App Being Blocked by Windows

This digital signature tells Windows that you’re you (not an imposter) and lends credibility to the software you sign using that certificate. This helps to prevent Windows operating systems and browsers from flagging your software and allows your verified identity info to display up front.