How to Fix ‘SignTool Error: File Not Found’

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Escape the file not found error. Help SignTool to find a way to your file through your folders maze

File not found. How many times have you seen this warning, even when you weren’t using SignTool.exe? Too many, I’m sure. While it’s good to know that it’s a pretty common error — you type the signing script, hit enter, and SignTool.exe displays this message — we know it doesn’t make it any less frustrating.

A screenshot of the SignTool error "file not found"
Image caption: The screenshot shows SignTool’s ‘file not found’ code signing-related error message.

You know the file is on your device — you’ve just saved it, after all. So, why can’t SignTool find it? Let’s quickly break down what the error is, what causes it and how to fix it.

What ‘SignTool Error: File Not Found’ Means

When you see this error message when signing code, your code signing efforts typically fail because SignTool can’t find the software in the defined path.

Possible Cause(s)

The file to be signed isn’t in the directory indicated in the signing command, or the filepath itself may be mistyped or improperly formatted.

How to Fix the ‘File Not Found’ Error

  • Ensure the signing script points to the correct file directory (and that the specific folder within it exists).
  • Check for any typos or wrong folder names in your filepath.
  • See whether there are any spaces in your file path. If so, enclose the filepath in quotation marks.

Platform(s)/Systems Affected

Windows, SignTool.exe.