How to Enable or Disable Developer Mode in Windows 11

What is Developer Mode?

Developer Mode is a Windows 11 setting that lets you install apps from outside the Microsoft Store and use advanced debugging tools. Software creators and people testing their own apps rely on this setting to run local code. Everyday computer tasks do not need this feature turned on.

Writing software or testing apps remains the primary use case for this toggle.

Software creators using tools like Visual Studio and testing custom apps on local hardware will need this mode active.

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.

You can turn Windows 11 Developer Mode on or off using the built-in Settings app ⚙️ without touching any advanced tools. This is the fastest and safest way to manage app installation permissions on your computer. Simply open the system menu and toggle the switch to change your status.

Go to System › Advanced

Option 2Using the Registry Editor (Advanced)

Registry Editor lets you turn Windows 11 Developer Mode on or off by changing system keys directly if you prefer not to use the Settings app. This advanced method requires careful typing to avoid system errors. You can apply specific key commands to force the feature active.

System instability can occur when registry modifications happen incorrectly, requiring extra caution during execution.

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)

Local Group Policy Editor lets Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education users manage Developer Mode restrictions across the operating system. This built-in tool controls app installation behavior through a central menu. Note that Windows 11 Home does not include this tool.

This utility remains absent on Windows 11 Home editions.

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)

Registry policies let power users lock Windows 11 Developer Mode on globally across every user account on the machine. This approach enforces system behavior by writing direct registry keys instead of using standard menu toggles. It bypasses the graphical interface completely for automated setups.

Enforcing Developer Mode via direct registry changes offers a method comparable to Option 3. System behavior alters globally across all user accounts on the machine.

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

Official documentation resides on Microsoft's page covering Settings for Developers.

Summary

Windows 11 Developer Mode lets software creators install and test external applications, with toggles available via Settings, Registry, or Group Policy.