Deploying VSTO Add-in on Windows 8 without a Signed Certificate
I wrote a Word VSTO add-in that I would like to give to some colleagues and friends. I originally wanted to use ClickOnce for deployment because it is easy to set up for me and also very easy to install. Deploying my add-in works fine on Windows 7, but I have some problems with Windows 8 / 8.1. SmartScreen Filter complains about my add-on and prevents installation entirely. HereI figured out that the problem was that I hadn't signed the add-in with a real certificate. The only solution seems to be to force the user to "install a test certificate in the trusted publishers store" (which they highly recommend) or get a certificate from an authority, which is not an option for me as I'm just a hobby developer and don't want to pay hundreds of dollars / euros per year for a certificate.
So, is there any other way to deploy the add-in without a certificate? Can I use a different installer that doesn't require a certificate? Or does SmartScreen always block all attempts to install a VSTO add-in that is not signed with a "real" certificate, regardless of the installer?
Microsoft annoys me a lot in this regard. Why are they making it so difficult for small and independent developers to deploy their application to their users?
Any help would be really appreciated!
sr258
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A certificate is required for security reasons. Instead of buying a certificate from a trusted vendor, you can configure security settings on your PC (at least disable Smart Filter) and use a test certificate. See Granting Trust in Office Solutions .
The Deploy Office Solution section on MSDN describes all the steps required to contribute Office Add-ins. You may also consider using an MSI installer (InstallShield, WiX, etc.).
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You can use Visual Studio Setup Projects
or Wix Based Setup
to deploy your VSTO add-ins.
I have distributed Signed as well as Unsigned VSTO based add-ins
. I always prefer the usual settings. The only issue I have with Untagged signed VSTO headers is that the Trust Center
Client Office setting restricts or warns the user when the Office application is first launched.
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