How to Enable Developer Mode on a PC with Windows 10

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Learn how to turn on developer mode on your Windows 10 PC

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Last Updated: July 8, 2024 Tested

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• Understanding Developer Mode
|
• Enabling Developer Mode
|
• Q&A

|Show more |Show less

The Windows 10 Developer mode allows developers to access special development features like the Ubuntu Bash shell environment along with other developer-focused settings. This makes it possible for developers to test apps that they're working on. This article will explain a bit about developer mode as well as how to enable it on your Windows 10 machine.

Things You Should Know

• Developer mode allows you to sideload apps and run Visual Studio apps in debug mode.
• Putting your PC in developer mode may open your computer up to additional security risks.
• Turn on developer mode in your Update & Security settings.

Steps

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Understanding Developer Mode

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1. 1
   Know the difference of Developer mode from sideloading. Sideloading different apps means that you are able to download apps from other sources outside of the Windows Store. While developer mode enables not only this option, it also allows you to test and develop your own apps.

   • Here are the official explanations from Microsoft:
     • Windows Store apps is the default setting. If you aren't developing apps, or using special internal apps issued by your company, keep this setting active.
     • Sideloading is installing and then running or testing an app that has not been certified by the Windows Store. For example, an app that is internal to your company only.
     • Developer mode lets you sideload apps, and also run apps from Visual Studio in debug mode.
2. 2
   Understand the security risks of Developer mode. When downloading apps from third parties, your personal data and device could be at risk. Microsoft has strict rules that Windows Store apps are required to meet before they are placed in the Store, including being malware-free.
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3. 3
   Rejoice because there’s no developer license renewal! Microsoft has stopped requiring developers to renew their license every 30 days.
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Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Enabling Developer Mode

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1. 1
   Open the Settings app. Click the Start

   

   button and select the

   

   gear.
2. 2
   Navigate to the

   

   Update & security category.
3. 3
   Choose For developers from the left sidebar. This section offers exclusive development-based settings for software developers.
4. 4
   Switch to Developer mode". Choose the radio button next to "Developer mode".
5. 5
   Confirm the warning. A pop-up warning that says that enabling Developer mode and installing third-party apps from outside the Windows Store could expose personal information and device to security risks.

   • Do so by clicking the Yes button in the blue pop-up window.
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Community Q&A

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• Question

  Why can't I change my developer mode options?

  

  Aasim

  Top Answerer

  You have to be an administrator on your computer to enable developer mode. Check user account settings to make sure that your account is not a standard user.

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