Windows 11 has a built-in developer mode that allows you to sideload Microsoft Store applications, use WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux), unlock various settings helpful for developers while debugging apps, and more. However, the developer mode is disabled by default on Windows 11. If you want to use it, you have to enable it manually. In this tutorial, we’ll teach you the steps to enable developer mode on Windows 11. Let’s get started.
Caution: Developer mode is an advanced feature and should only be enabled when it’s necessary. If you are enabling the developer mode to sideload store apps, we recommend you exercise caution and use good antivirus software to keep your system safe and secure.
Steps to Enable Developer Mode on Windows 11
You can turn on the Developer Mode using the Settings app on Windows 11. Here’s how.
1. Use Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
2. Navigate to the System tab on the sidebar.
3. Scroll down the right page in the Settings app and click on For Developers.
4. Turn on the Developer Mode toggle.
5. Click Yes in the confirmation window to enable Developer mode.
With that, you’ve enabled the Windows 11 developer mode. From now on, you can sideload apps, use WSL without restrictions, and have quick access to developer features like debugging apps.
Steps to Disable Developer Mode on Windows 11
1. Launch the Settings app by pressing Windows key + I
2. Navigate to the System > For Developers page.
3. Turn off the Developer Mode toggle.
That’s it. With that, you’ve disabled the Windows 11 developer mode.
Alternative Method to Enable or Disable Developer Mode
If you are looking for an alternate method to turn on and off developer mode on Windows 11 then here’s the PowerShell command you can use.
1. Press Windows key + X to open the Power User menu.
2. Choose the Terminal (Admin) option.
3. Run the below command in the Terminal window.
- To enable developer mode
reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\AppModelUnlock" /t REG_DWORD /f /v "AllowDevelopmentWithoutDevLicense" /d "1"
The above command will enable Developer Mode by setting the AllowDevelopmentWithoutDevLicense registry key to 1.
- To disable developer mode
reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\AppModelUnlock" /t REG_DWORD /f /v "AllowDevelopmentWithoutDevLicense" /d "0"
The above command will disable Developer Mode by setting the AllowDevelopmentWithoutDevLicense registry key to 1.
Here’s how you can turn on developer mode on Windows 10.
And there you have it! It’s that simple to turn on or off developer mode on Windows 11. If you have any questions, comment below and we’ll help.
