How to configure developer mode options in Windows 11 system settings

How to Open Developer Settings

To open developer settings in Windows 11, press the Win and the I key together to launch the main Settings app ⚙️, select System from the left menu, click Advanced on the right, and then choose For developers in the main window list to access sideloading permissions and remote debugging tools.

1. Open Settings ⚙️ by pressing the Win and the I key together.

   

2. Select System from the left menu and select Advanced on the right.

   

3. Click For developers in the main window list.

Turning on Developer Mode

This action requires administrator privileges and enables advanced features like running unpackaged apps, configuring SSH services, and changing local execution policies.

This step requires administrator privileges.

1. Open the For developers page in Settings.
2. Locate the Developer Mode toggle at the top of the window.
3. Click the toggle to switch it from Off to On.

   

4. Read the warning prompt that appears on screen and click Yes to confirm the change.

Configuring File Explorer for Development

Configure File Explorer 📁 for development within your developer settings to expose hidden system files, full directory paths in the title bar, and file extensions. Open the For developers page in Settings, locate the File Explorer section, and check the box to show hidden files so you can easily view and debug code.

1. Open the For developers page in Settings.
2. Locate the File Explorer section.

   

3. Check the box next to Show hidden files, folders, and drives.
4. Check the box next to Show file name extensions.
5. Check the box next to Show full path in title bar.

Setting Up Remote Desktop and SSH

Set up Remote Desktop and SSH through developer settings to connect to your Windows 11 machine from another device on your local network. Open the For developers page in Settings, locate the Remote Desktop section, and click the toggle to enable remote connections for testing applications without sitting at the physical keyboard.

1. Open the For developers page in Settings.
2. Locate the Remote Desktop section.

   

3. Click the toggle to enable Remote Desktop connections for this PC.
4. Locate the Terminal or SSH section and ensure your preferred secure shell server is running if you plan to connect via command-line tools.

Unlocking Advanced PowerShell Execution Policies

Unlock advanced PowerShell execution policies to allow local scripts to run for building projects and managing packages. Because Windows blocks these scripts by default for protection, you must use an administrator terminal to change execution settings and enable your development workflow.

This step requires administrator privileges.

1. Right-click the Start button and select Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).
2. Type the command Set-ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned and press Enter.
3. Type Y and press Enter to confirm the change when prompted.

Troubleshooting Common Developer Mode Errors

Troubleshoot common developer mode errors in Windows 11 by checking your internet connection and restarting your computer. When Windows fails to download necessary packages due to missing updates or corrupted system files, these basic troubleshooting steps usually clear temporary installation blocks.

If you encounter an error code during activation, check your internet connection first, as Windows fetches specific components from Windows Update. Restarting your computer often clears temporary installation blocks. If the toggle still reverts to off, open Windows Update and ensure all pending system patches are fully installed before trying again.

If this didn't work

Domain-joined work or school computers often block these settings through group policies, meaning you must check with your IT department or test the configuration on a local administrator account.