How to enable Developer Mode on Windows 11

Windows 11's Developer Mode allows you to install apps outside of the Microsoft Store, and here's how.

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By (@Pureinfotech) , Windows How-To Expert and IT Specialist with 21 years of experience.
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Windows 11 Developer Mode
Windows 11 Developer Mode

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:

  1. Open Settings on Windows 11.

  2. Click on Privacy & security.

  3. Select the For developers page on the right side.

  4. Turn on the Developer Mode toggle switch to enable the feature.

    Enable Developer Mode

  5. 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:

    1. Open Settings.

    2. Click on Privacy & security.

    3. Select the For developers page on the right side.

    4. Turn off the “Developer Mode” toggle switch to disable the feature.

      Disable Developer Mode

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.

About the author
Avatar for Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert and founder of (est. 2010). With over 21 years as a technology writer and IT Specialist, Mauro specializes in Windows, software, and cross-platform systems such as Linux, Android, and macOS.

Certifications: Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), VMware Certified Professional (VCP), and CompTIA A+ and Network+.

Mauro is a recognized Microsoft MVP and has also been a long-time contributor to Windows Central.

You can follow him on YouTube, Threads, BlueSky, X (Twitter), LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].