Apple restricts iOS/iPadOS restoration to signed IPSW files only. An "unsigned" IPSW means Apple no longer validates installation of that iOS version. Free tools exist to bypass this, but they require specific hardware (checkm8漏洞) or saved blobs (SHSH2). No free tool can restore any unsigned IPSW to any device unconditionally.
3uTools Limitations: While 3uTools is a popular free utility, it cannot restore an unsigned IPSW on modern devices unless the version is currently being signed by Apple. unsigned ipsw restore tool free
To use any "free" tool for an unsigned restore, you generally must meet one of the following criteria: [ ] Is your device in the checkm8-compatible list
Note: Windows users need a macOS virtual machine or dual boot. But the tool is 100% free. You saved the SHSH blobs for that specific
TinyUmbrella (Legacy/Free): Historically used to save blobs and run a local TSS server to trick iTunes into accepting unsigned IPSWs. It is mostly effective for older devices (iOS 7–12) and is no longer actively updated for modern iOS. "Free" vs. Paid Commercial Tools