3 Methods to Enable Windows 11 Developer Mode

What is Developer Mode

Developer mode in Windows 11 is a policy that allows the removal of native system restrictions to install certain applications. With it, developers can test the applications they are developing, load UWP (Universal Windows Platform) applications on their computers, or use other developer features.

Developer mode is turned off by default in Windows 11, and interested users will need to enable it from Windows Settings. Note that this feature is not suitable for everyone though - if you only use your Windows computer for regular activities (e.g. web browsing, gaming, office) and do not want to install any unsigned applications that are still in development, then enabling Developer Mode is not recommended.

Way 1. Enable Developer Mode using Settings

1. Press Win + I shortcut to open the Settings application and go to the "Privacy & security" tab.

2. In the Security area on the right, find and click the "For developers" option.

3. Then click the toggle switch under "Developer Mode" to turn it on.

4. Click "Yes" in the pop-up dialog box to enable developer mode in Windows 11.

Way 2. Enable Developer Mode using Registry Editor

1. Type "regedit" in the system search bar and run Registry Editor as administrator. 2.

2. Then navigate to the following path.

3. Right-click in the right pane, select "New" > "DWORD(32-bit) Value" and name it "AllowDevelopmentWithoutDevLicense".

4. Double click the newly created AllowDevelopmentWithoutDevLicense and set its value to 1.

Now open the Settings application and you will see that Developer mode is enabled and the toggle option is grayed out.

Way 3. Enable Developer Mode using Group Policy Editor

If the options in the Settings application are not working or accessible, you can use this method. However, Group Policy Editor is only available for Windows 11 Professional, Enterprise or Education editions, not for Home Edition.

1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box, type "gpedit.msc" and click OK to open the Local Group Policy Editor.

2. Navigate to the following path.

Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > App Package Deployment

3. On the right side, find the policy "Allows development of Windows Store apps and installing them from an integrated development environment (IDE)".

4. Double-click it and check the "Enabled" option in the settings window that opens, then click "Apply" > "OK". This will turn on the developer mode.