Microsoft Edge’s extension Developer Mode lets you test custom browser add-ons on Windows 11 before they are officially published. These extensions are small programs that give your browser extra features, like ad blockers or password managers.
Turning on Developer Mode for extensions in Microsoft Edge version 117.0.2045.120 (or later) allows you to load unpacked extensions directly from your computer. This is useful if you are building your own extension or testing one from a developer.
You can easily switch this setting on or off from the Edge extensions page. This guide explains how to find and change the Developer Mode option.
Open Microsoft Edge, click the Extensions button or the three-dot menu, and select Manage extensions. Toggle the Developer mode switch to On or Off on the left side of the screen.
Why use Developer Mode?
Developer mode for Microsoft Edge extensions lets creators load and test custom browser extensions. This mode lets creators see how their tools work directly in the browser, bypassing the need to submit to the official Microsoft store, which has around 250,000 extensions.
What happens when you turn it on?
When you turn on Edge developer mode, you can install extensions straight from files on your computer. Edge developer mode is mostly for people who build extensions, as it can let them run tools that might not be completely safe.
References:
- Sideload an extension to install and test it locally – Microsoft Edge Developer documentation
- Developer mode extension notification – Microsoft Support
- Microsoft Edge extensions documentation – Microsoft Edge Developer documentation
Option 1Use the Edge Settings Menu
Turning Edge developer mode on or off for your account is a breeze using the browser’s settings menu. This method is the simplest way to manage the developer mode setting if you’re just trying to change it for yourself.
- Open the Microsoft Edge browser.
- Click the Extensions button on the toolbar or click the Settings and more (three-dot) menu and select Extensions.
- Click on Manage extensions.
- On the left side of the screen, toggle the Developer mode switch to On or Off.
Option 2Use the Registry for All Users
If you’re an administrator, you can use the Windows Registry to disable Edge developer mode for everyone on the computer using a system policy. This method is useful for managing the setting across multiple user accounts at once.
Open the Windows Terminal app with administrator privileges and run the following command:
To Disable Developer Mode for All Users:
Locking the extension developer mode setting prevents users from changing the browser’s developer mode setting. This action grays out the "Developer mode" option in the browser menu, indicating that users cannot adjust developer mode.
reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge" /v ExtensionDeveloperModeSettings /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
To Enable Developer Mode for All Users:
Developer Mode in Microsoft Edge lets individual users control extension installation. Each user on a Windows 11 computer decides whether to turn extension developer mode on or off. This user choice respects each person’s preference for managing installed extensions.
reg delete "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge" /v ExtensionDeveloperModeSettings /f
Summary
For regular users, keeping Edge developer mode off is the safest bet to protect your browser from unverified software. However, you can enable it yourself through settings, or as an administrator, turn it on for all users.
How do I put an extension on developer mode?
To put an extension into developer mode in Edge, open the ‘Manage extensions’ page and flip the ‘Developer mode’ switch to ‘On’ to load unpacked extensions from your computer.
How do I enable developer mode in edge extensions?
You can enable developer mode in Edge extensions by going to ‘edge://extensions’ and toggling the ‘Developer mode’ switch on the bottom left.
How to use extensions in private mode in Edge?
To use extensions in Edge’s private mode, go to ‘Manage extensions,’ click ‘Details’ for the extension, and turn on the ‘Allow in InPrivate’ switch.
How to get rid of extensions on Microsoft Edge?
To get rid of extensions on Microsoft Edge, click the puzzle icon, choose ‘Manage extensions,’ find the one you want to remove, and click the ‘Remove’ button.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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