On Windows 11, it’s possible to enable “Developer Mode” to sideload apps from any source, and in this guide, you will learn how to complete this task.
Developer Mode is a policy that allows you to lift the original system restrictions to install certain apps on Windows 11. Typically, this feature is reserved for developers and advanced users since it lets you install apps in development to test your code or install specific apps outside of the Microsoft Store. For example, a modified version of the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) to run Android apps from the Google Play Store.
This guide will teach you how to enable and disable Developer Mode on Windows 11.
Enable Developer Mode on Windows 11
To enable Developer Mode through Settings on Windows 11, use these steps:
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Open Settings on Windows 11.
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Click on Privacy & security.
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Select the For developers page on the right side.
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Turn on the Developer Mode toggle switch to enable the feature.
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Click the Yes button.
Once you complete the steps, Windows 11 will be open to receive Microsoft Store apps from any source.
Disable Developer Mode on Windows 11
To disable the feature to prevent installing apps from any source, use these steps:
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Open Settings.
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Click on Privacy & security.
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Select the For developers page on the right side.
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Turn off the “Developer Mode” toggle switch to disable the feature.
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After you complete the steps, the computer will only accept modern apps from the Microsoft Store.
The mode is only for those apps available through the Microsoft Store (using the .msixbundle extension). This feature doesn’t restrict the installation of the classic desktop (Win32) apps from any source.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].