Step-by-Step Guide to Enabling Developer Mode in Windows 11

Enabling and Disabling Developer Mode on Windows 11

Updated on August 4, 2025: This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to enable and disable Developer Mode in Windows 11, which facilitates the sideloading of applications from various sources. This feature is primarily beneficial for developers and advanced users who require the ability to install apps that are in development or not listed on the Microsoft Store.

By enabling Developer Mode, users can test their applications or even install modified versions of existing apps, such as an enhanced version of the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA), allowing for the execution of Android apps from platforms like Google Play Store.

How to Enable Developer Mode
How to Disable Developer Mode

How to Enable Developer Mode on Windows 11

To activate Developer Mode via the Settings menu, follow these instructions:

Access Settings: Launch the Settings application on your Windows 11 device.
Navigate to Privacy & Security: Click on Privacy & Security from the sidebar.
Select For Developers: Choose the For Developers (or Advanced) option.

Quick Note: If Administrator Protection is enabled, you will need to provide authentication to proceed.

Enable Developer Mode: Toggle the switch for Developer Mode to the “On”position.
Confirm Activation: Click on the Yes button to finalize the change.

After completing these steps, your Windows 11 system will be configured to accept applications from various sources, enhancing your development workflow.

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How to Disable Developer Mode on Windows 11

If you wish to restrict app installations to only those available through the Microsoft Store, you can disable Developer Mode by following these steps:

Open Settings: Access the Settings application once again.
Go to Privacy & Security: Navigate back to Privacy & Security.
Proceed to For Developers: Click on the For Developers (or Advanced) option.
Toggle Off Developer Mode: Set the switch for “Developer Mode” to the “Off”position.

Once you have performed these actions, your computer will revert to accepting only modern apps distributed through the Microsoft Store. It’s important to note that while this mode restricts apps to those with the.msixbundle extension, it does not limit the installation of traditional desktop applications (Win32) from other sources.

This updated guide reflects current practices and ensures that users have the latest information at their fingertips.

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