How to Turn On Developer Mode on Windows 10 and 11

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Learn how to turn on dev mode on your Windows PC

Written by Rain Kengly

Last Updated: March 16, 2025 Fact Checked

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• Enabling in Windows 10
|
• Enabling in Windows 11
|
• Troubleshooting
|
• What is Developer Mode?
|
• Developer Mode Risks
|
• Q&A

|Show more |Show less

The Windows 10 Developer mode allows developers to access special development features like the Ubuntu Bash shell environment along with other developer-focused settings. This makes it possible for developers to test apps that they're working on. Here's how to enable developer mode in Windows 10 and Windows 11, plus how it works.

Quick Steps

1. Open Settings.
2. Click Update & security.
3. Click For developers.
4. Toggle on Developer Mode.
5. Click Yes to confirm.

Steps

Section 1 of 5:

Enabling Developer Mode in Windows 10

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1. 
   1
   Open your Windows Settings. Click the Start button and select the gear icon. A new window will open.

   • Before you enable developer mode, make sure you understand what it does and the associated risks.
   • You can also access your Windows settings using the keyboard shortcut Windows key + i.
2. 
   2
   Click Update & security. This is usually near the bottom of the window.
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3. 
   3
   Click For developers. You can find this in the left sidebar, between Find my device and Windows Insider Program. This section offers exclusive development-based settings for software developers, including the option to turn Developer Mode on or off.
4. 
   4
   Toggle on "Developer Mode". This is the first toggle, underneath Install apps from any source, including loose files. A pop-up will open, asking you to confirm.
5. 
   5
   Click Yes. The pop-up warning explains that enabling Developer mode and installing third-party apps from outside the Windows Store could expose your personal information and device to security risks. Once you click Yes, Developer Mode will be enabled.

   • If you want to turn off Developer mode, return to this window and toggle the switch to the off position.
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Section 2 of 5:

Enabling Developer Mode in Windows 11

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1. 
   1
   Open the Settings app. Click the Start button and select the gear icon. A new window will open.

   • Before you enable developer mode, make sure you understand what it does and the associated risks.
   • You can also access your Windows settings using the keyboard shortcut Windows key + i.
2. 
   2
   Click System. This is in the left panel, underneath Home.
3. 
   3
   Click For developers. This is near the middle of the right panel. You may need to scroll down to find this option.
4. 
   4
   Toggle on "Developer Mode". This is the first option at the top.

   • When Developer Mode is enabled, you'll be able to install apps from any source, including loose files.
   • To turn off Developer Mode, toggle the switch to the off position.
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Section 3 of 5:

Troubleshooting

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1. 
   1
   Make sure you're looking in the right place. If you're trying to enable Developer Mode on Windows 11 but can't find the option, know that it won't be in the same place as it was on Windows 10. Rather than Update & security, you'll need to look in the System tab of the Settings panel.
2. 
   2
   Restart your computer. If you aren't seeing any changes even with Developer Mode enabled, you may need to restart your computer to apply the changes.
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Section 4 of 5:

What is Developer Mode?

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1. 
   Developer Mode allows you to install apps from any source. When you enable Developer Mode, you'll also be installing a package containing developer-specific features, including Windows Device Portal, SSH services, device discovery, Visual Basic debugging features, and optimization features for PowerShell and Windows Explorer. You should only enable Developer Mode if you are a developer, as this mode can open your Windows PC up to security risks.

   • Developer mode is different from sideloading.
     • Sideloading is installing and then running or testing an app that has not been certified by the Windows Store. For example, an app that is internal to your company only.
     • Enabling Developer Mode does enable sideloading, but it also enables the aforementioned features.
   • Windows Store apps is the default setting. If you aren't developing apps, or using special internal apps issued by your company, keep this setting active.

Section 5 of 5:

Developer Mode Risks

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1. 
   Your personal data and device are at risk in Developer Mode. This is true when installing any program from a third party. Microsoft has strict rules that Windows Store apps are required to meet before they are placed in the Store, including being malware-free, so it's generally safer to download directly from the Microsoft Store.

   • If you only need to test a single program or work on a single app, consider disabling Developer Mode once you're finished.
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Community Q&A

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• Question

  Why can't I change my developer mode options?

  

  Aasim

  Top Answerer

  You have to be an administrator on your computer to enable developer mode. Check user account settings to make sure that your account is not a standard user.

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