How to Enable or Disable Developer Mode in Windows 11

What is Developer Mode?

What is Developer Mode? In essence, Developer Mode is a Windows 11 setting that lets you install apps from sources other than the Microsoft Store. This setting is primarily for people who create or test software, as it allows them to run and debug their own apps on your computer.

If you’re a developer using tools like Visual Studio and want to test your apps on your PC or other devices, you’ll want to turn this mode on.

What Happens When You Turn On Developer Mode?

• You can install apps from anywhere, not just the Microsoft Store.
• Extra features like debugging and app testing become available.
• Services like SSH (a way to connect remotely to your PC) can be turned on for app deployment.

How to Turn On or Off Developer Mode

Option 1Using ⚙️ Windows Settings

1. Press ⊞ Win+I on your keyboard to ⚙️ open Settings.
2. Click System on the left menu.
3. Click Advanced on the right side. Open Advanced Developer Settings
4. Find Developer Mode and switch it On or Off.
5. If turning on, Windows will ask you to confirm. Click Yes.
6. Close Settings when done.

Turning on or off Windows 11 Developer Mode is a breeze with ⚙️ the Settings app. A quick way to open it is by pressing Windows key + I. Once Settings is open, head to the System section and find the Developer Mode option.

Go to System > Advanced

Option 2Using the Registry Editor (Advanced)

Advanced users can enable or disable Windows 11 Developer Mode by editing the Registry Editor. This is an advanced method that involves careful steps and specific settings, so please proceed with caution.

A quick heads-up: making changes in the Registry can lead to problems if not done correctly, so follow these instructions with extra care.

To Turn On Developer Mode:

reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\AppModelUnlock" /v AllowDevelopmentWithoutDevLicense /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f

To Turn Off Developer Mode:

reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\AppModelUnlock" /v AllowDevelopmentWithoutDevLicense /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f

Option 3Using Local Group Policy Editor (For 🪟 Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, Education)

Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education users can manage Developer Mode through the Local Group Policy Editor. This tool allows you to control app installation settings, though it’s not included in Windows 11 Home edition.

This tool isn’t available on Windows 11 Home edition.

1. Press ⊞ Win+R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter to open Local Group Policy Editor.
2. In the left sidebar, go to: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > App Package Deployment
3. On the right, double-click Allow development of Windows Store apps and 💿 installing them from an integrated development environment (IDE).
4. You’ll see options to:

   • Leave it Not Configured (default, lets you turn Developer Mode on/off manually).
   • Select Enabled with Force Allow to always turn Developer Mode on.
   • Select Enabled with Force Deny to always turn Developer Mode off.
5. Choose the option you want, click OK, then close the editor.

Images for this:

Navigate to App Package Deployment

Enable & Force Allow Developer Mode

Option 4Using Registry Policy (Advanced)

Advanced users can control Windows 11 Developer Mode by directly editing the Registry to enforce policies, making it permanently on or off. This method is similar to using the Group Policy Editor but involves making changes directly within the Windows Registry.

Editing the Registry directly to enforce Developer Mode settings offers a method similar to Option 3. This approach directly changes Windows system files, impacting how Developer Mode operates for all users on the computer.

To remove any policy and allow manual control:

reg delete "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Appx" /v AllowDevelopmentWithoutDevLicense /f

To always enable Developer Mode:

reg add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Appx" /v AllowDevelopmentWithoutDevLicense /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f

To always disable Developer Mode:

reg add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Appx" /v AllowDevelopmentWithoutDevLicense /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f

Things to Remember

• Who needs Developer Mode? Only developers or people testing apps should turn it on.
• Extra features: Developer Mode lets you install apps from outside the store, debug apps, and use remote tools.
• How to change it: You can use Settings, Registry Editor, or Local Group Policy Editor (for some Windows editions).
• Administrator access: You must be signed in as an administrator to change Developer Mode.
• Be careful: Turning on Developer Mode can expose your PC to security risks if you install untrusted apps.

More Information

For official details, visit Microsoft’s page on Settings for Developers.

Summary

Windows 11 Developer Mode lets you install and test apps from outside the Microsoft Store, and it’s primarily for software creators, with options to turn it on or off via Settings, Registry, or Group Policy.