Developer Mode in Windows 11 allows software creators and testers to install, debug, and sideload apps from sources outside the Microsoft Store. This setting is essential for development environments but can introduce security risks if left enabled on everyday-use systems. Activating or deactivating Developer Mode requires administrator access and, in some cases, may be limited by organizational policies.

Enable or Disable Developer Mode Using Windows Settings

Step 1: Open Windows Settings by pressing Win+I. This shortcut quickly brings up the main Settings window.

Step 2: In the Settings menu, select System from the left sidebar. Then, click on For developers on the right pane. In some Windows 11 builds, this option may appear under Advanced.

Step 3: Locate the Developer Mode toggle at the top of the page. To enable Developer Mode, switch the toggle to the right. A warning message will appear, explaining the security implications of this action. Confirm by clicking Yes.

Step 4: To disable Developer Mode, return to the same setting and move the toggle to the left. This restores the default security posture and stops development-specific services.

Enable or Disable Developer Mode via Windows Registry

Advanced users or administrators may prefer to control Developer Mode through the Windows Registry, which is especially useful for automating the process or troubleshooting when the Settings UI is inaccessible.

Step 1: Press Win+R to open the Run dialog, then type regedit.exe and press Enter. Approve any User Account Control prompts to launch the Registry Editor.

Step 2: In the Registry Editor, navigate to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\AppModelUnlock

Step 3: Double-click the AllowDevelopmentWithoutDevLicense DWORD value. To enable Developer Mode, set its value to 1. To disable Developer Mode, set the value to 0.

Step 4: Close the Registry Editor. Restart your computer if the change does not take effect immediately.

Control Developer Mode Using Local Group Policy Editor

For organizations or advanced users running Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education, the Local Group Policy Editor provides centralized control over Developer Mode, including the ability to enforce or restrict its use system-wide.

Step 1: Press Win+R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter to open the Local Group Policy Editor.

Step 2: In the left pane, go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > App Package Deployment.

Step 3: Double-click Allows development of packaged Microsoft Store applications and installing them from an integrated development environment.

Step 4: To enable Developer Mode, select Enabled and choose Force Allow from the drop-down menu. To disable it, select Enabled and choose Force Deny. Click Apply and OK to confirm your changes.

Step 5: Close the Local Group Policy Editor. The setting may require a system restart or policy refresh to take effect.

Troubleshooting: Developer Mode Option Not Visible or Greyed Out

Occasionally, the Developer Mode toggle may be missing or inaccessible. This usually happens for one of two reasons:

  • You are not signed in with an administrator account. Only admins can change Developer Mode settings.
  • Your device is managed by an organization, and policies restrict access to Developer Mode. In this case, contact your IT administrator for assistance.

Maximizing the Settings window can reveal hidden options if the UI is condensed. Alternatively, use the search bar in Settings and type developer or for developers to locate the feature directly.

Security Considerations

Enabling Developer Mode allows the installation and debugging of apps from any source, which can expose your system to additional security risks. It is recommended to use Developer Mode only on dedicated development machines. Avoid downloading and running software from untrusted sources, and disable Developer Mode when not actively developing or testing apps to restore optimal security.

Switching Developer Mode on or off in Windows 11 is straightforward using Settings, Registry, or Group Policy. Always use administrator privileges and review your organization's policies before making changes.