How to Enable or Disable Extension Developer Mode in Microsoft Edge on Windows 11

This guide explains how to turn the Developer Mode setting on or off in Microsoft Edge for Windows 11. Extensions Extensions are small tools that add new features to your web browser. Developer Mode is a special setting used by programmers to test their own tools before they are officially released.

Why use Developer Mode?

Developers use this mode to load, test, and fix their own browser extensions. It allows them to see how their tools work inside the browser without having to go through the official Microsoft store.

What happens when you turn it on?

When you enable this mode, you can install extensions from your own computer files. However, Microsoft warns that you should keep this off unless you are a developer. Turning it on can allow unsafe or unverified tools to run in your browser, which may put your data at risk.

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 One : Use the Edge Settings Menu

This method works for your specific user account.

1. Open the Microsoft Edge browser.
2. Click the Extensions button on the toolbar or click the Settings and more (three-dot) menu and select Extensions.
3. Click on Manage extensions.
4. On the left side of the screen, toggle the Developer mode switch to On or Off.

Option Two : Use the Registry for All Users

Note: You must be signed in as an administrator to perform this step. This method uses a system policy ExtensionDeveloperModeSettings to force the setting for everyone on the computer.

Open the Windows Terminal app as an administrator and run the command below:

To Disable Developer Mode for All Users:

This will lock the setting and grey it out so it cannot be changed in the browser menu.

reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge" /v ExtensionDeveloperModeSettings /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f

To Enable Developer Mode for All Users:

This resets the setting to the default, allowing individual users to choose their own preference.

reg delete "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge" /v ExtensionDeveloperModeSettings /f

Summary

Developer Mode is a tool meant for people building browser extensions. If you are a standard user, it is best to keep this setting turned off to ensure your browser remains secure and protected from unverified software. Use the Edge settings menu to toggle it for yourself, or use the registry method if you are an administrator managing multiple users.