Open Settings via Windows I, go to Privacy & security > For developers (Windows 11) or Update & security > For developers (Windows 10), and select Developer Mode. 2. Confirm the administrative prompt when prompted, noting that enabling this mode reduces security restrictions for app sideloading and debugging, so only enable it if developing or installing trusted apps. 3. Optionally, on Windows Pro/Enterprise, enable Developer Mode via Group Policy by opening gpedit.msc, navigating to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > App Package Deployment, and setting Allow development of Windows apps to Enabled. 4. Alternatively, on Windows Home or if Group Policy is unavailable, use regedit to navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\AppModelUnlock, create or modify the DWORD AllowDevelopmentWithoutDevLicense, and set its value to 1, then restart or sign out to apply. Once enabled, Developer Mode allows installation of unsigned apps, enhanced use of PowerShell and Command Prompt, direct app deployment from Visual Studio, and access to Windows App SDK tools, though it is only necessary for Windows-specific development like UWP, WinUI, or React Native for Windows, and should be disabled when no longer needed to maintain optimal security.
Enabling Developer Mode in Windows allows you to install apps from outside the Microsoft Store, use tools like PowerShell scripts, Windows Package Manager (winget), and access features useful for coding and app development. Here's how to turn it on, depending on your Windows version (Windows 10 and 11 follow similar steps):

1. Open Settings and Navigate to Developer Mode
Press Windows I to open the Settings app.
-
Go to Privacy & security > For developers (in Windows 11), or Update & Security > For developers (in Windows 10).
-
Under the Developer features section, you’ll see a few options:
- Developer Mode
- Sideloading
- Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)
-
Click on Developer Mode to enable it.
?? Note: You might see a warning about security risks. Developer Mode reduces some security restrictions to allow app sideloading and debugging, so only enable it if you're developing software or trust the apps you're installing.
2. Approve the Administrative Prompt
When you toggle Developer Mode on, Windows may ask for administrator approval. If you're using an admin account, just confirm the prompt. If you're on a standard user account, you’ll need admin credentials.
Once enabled:
- You can install unsigned apps
- Use PowerShell and Command Prompt more freely for development tasks
- Deploy UWP or WinUI apps directly from Visual Studio
- Use Windows App SDK and Project Reunion tools
3. Alternative: Enable via Group Policy (Windows Pro/Enterprise Only)
If you're on Windows Pro, Education, or Enterprise, you can enable Developer Mode via Local Group Policy Editor:
- Press Windows R, type
gpedit.msc
, and press Enter. - Navigate to:
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > App Package Deployment - Find the policy: Allow development of Windows apps
- Set it to Enabled, then click OK.
This method is useful in managed environments like schools or businesses.
4. Enable via Registry (Advanced Users)
If Group Policy isn’t available (e.g., Windows Home), you can use the Registry:
- Press Windows R, type
regedit
, and press Enter. - Navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\AppModelUnlock
- Look for a DWORD value named
AllowDevelopmentWithoutDevLicense
.- If it doesn’t exist, right-click in the pane > New > DWORD (32-bit) Value > name it exactly as above.
- Set its value to 1.
- Restart your computer or sign out and back in.
Now Developer Mode should work even if the Settings toggle doesn’t respond.
Final Notes
- Developer Mode is not required for general programming (like Python, web dev, etc.), but it is needed for Windows app development, especially with UWP, WinUI, or React Native for Windows.
- Keep your system updated—some features (like WSL or Windows Terminal) integrate better with Developer Mode enabled.
- Disable it later if you no longer need it, to maintain tighter security.
Basically, just flip the switch in Settings > For developers, and you’re good to go.
The above is the detailed content of How to enable Developer Mode in Windows. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!

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