Enable Developer Mode in Windows 11: Step-by-Step

Developer Mode in Windows 11 unlocks features meant for app development, sideloading, and debugging. It lets you install unsigned apps, access SSH, and use the Windows Subsystem for Linux more smoothly. This guide walks you through the quick settings change, what each option does, and how to fix common issues. No special tools or admin rights beyond your normal user account are required.

What You’ll Need

• A Windows 11 PC (version 21H2 or later)
• An account with administrator privileges (you’ll need to confirm a UAC prompt)
• Stable internet connection if you plan to install additional developer tools afterward

Step-by-Step

1. Open the Settings app. Press Win + I on your keyboard, or click the Start button and select the gear icon.
2. In the left sidebar, click Privacy & security.
3. Scroll down and click For developers. (If you don’t see it, make sure you’re on Windows 11 22H2 or newer; older builds may place it under Update & Security.)
4. Toggle the switch for Developer Mode to On.
5. A dialog will appear explaining that Developer Mode enables sideloading and device portal features. Click Yes to confirm.
6. Windows will install the necessary components. Wait for the progress bar to finish—this may take a minute or two.
7. Once done, the toggle will stay blue. You can now close Settings. Developer Mode is active.

Common Mistakes

• Skipping the UAC prompt: If you click “Noâ€� on the User Account Control dialog, the toggle won’t turn on. Always accept it.
• Looking in the wrong place: On some Windows 11 versions, Developer Mode is under Update & Security > For developers instead of Privacy & security. Use the search bar in Settings to find it quickly.
• Not restarting after enabling: Some features like the Device Portal may require a reboot to work properly. If something doesn’t respond, restart your PC.
• Confusing Developer Mode with the separate “Windows Developer Modeâ€� feature: They’re the same thing—just different names in older documentation.

Tips

• After enabling Developer Mode, you can access the Device Portal at http://localhost:5000 for remote debugging and performance monitoring.
• Use the File Explorer options in the same settings page to show file extensions and hidden files—useful for development.
• If you’re developing for Linux, install Windows Subsystem for Linux from the Microsoft Store after enabling Developer Mode; it integrates better.
• Keep Developer Mode on only when needed. It reduces some security protections, so turn it off when you’re not actively developing.

Troubleshooting

Toggle won’t stay on: If the switch flips back to Off immediately, your system may have a policy blocking it. Check with your IT administrator if you’re on a work or school device. Otherwise, try running gpedit.msc (Pro/Enterprise only) and navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > App Package Deployment. Ensure “Allow development of Windows Store appsâ€� is enabled.

Error 0x80070005 or access denied: This usually indicates a permissions issue. Make sure you’re using an administrator account. Right-click the Start button and select “Windows Terminal (Admin)â€� to run commands with elevated privileges if needed.

Missing “For developers� option: Your Windows 11 build might be outdated. Go to Settings > Windows Update and install all pending updates. After a restart, the option should appear.

Device Portal doesn’t load: Ensure the “Device Portalâ€� toggle is also enabled in the same Developer Mode settings page. Then check that Windows Firewall allows port 5000. You may need to add an inbound rule for TCP 5000.

App installation fails with “App not installedâ€�: This can happen if you’re trying to sideload an app but Developer Mode wasn’t fully enabled. Re-toggle Developer Mode off and on, then restart your PC before trying again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Developer Mode safe to enable?

Yes for most users, but it lowers some security defaults (like allowing sideloaded apps). Only keep it on when you need it.

Does Developer Mode void my warranty?

No. It’s a supported Windows feature, not a hack or modification to the OS.

Can I use Developer Mode on Windows 11 Home?

Yes. Developer Mode is available on all editions, including Home.

What’s the difference between Developer Mode and Sideloading?

Developer Mode includes sideloading, but also adds extra tools like Device Portal and SSH. Sideloading alone only allows installing unsigned apps.

Will Developer Mode slow down my PC?

No noticeable performance impact. It just enables background services that are idle unless used.

How do I turn off Developer Mode?

Go back to Settings > Privacy & security > For developers and toggle it off. A restart may be needed to fully disable all services.

Related

• macOS Sequoia Writing Assistant: How to Use It
• Fix VLC Audio Out of Sync on Mac
• SR Driver Error: What It Means & How to Fix It