In Windows 11, open Settings > System > For developers and switch on Developer Mode. On version 25H2 and later, Microsoft moved the settings to Settings > System > Advanced > For developers. You can enable Developer Mode for local app development without turning on the separate remote-access options, Device Portal or Device Discovery.
Find Developer Mode in Windows 11 Settings
The path depends on your Windows 11 version. Before version 25H2, open Settings > System > For developers. In version 25H2 and later, go to Settings > System > Advanced and find For developers. The page layout can vary; if you do not see the section, search Settings for “developer mode.” See Microsoft’s Settings for developers and Advanced Windows Settings documentation.
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- Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
- Select System.
- Open For developers. On version 25H2 and later, select Advanced first.
- Turn on Developer Mode.
- Review the confirmation notice and select Yes to continue.
What Developer Mode changes
Developer Mode unlocks Windows tools and features for building, deploying, and testing apps. It enables sideloading, debugging, and additional deployment options, replacing the former developer-license requirement. It does not automatically install a development environment or make every app safe to run.
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Sideloading means installing an app from outside the Microsoft Store. Microsoft warns that sideloading may increase risks to your device and data. Sideloaded app packages must be signed with a certificate your device trusts. See Microsoft’s guidance on sideloading line-of-business apps.
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Developer Mode is not necessary for ordinary tasks such as gaming, browsing, email, or using Office apps, according to Microsoft’s developer settings guidance.
Choose whether to enable optional remote tools
Developer Mode and its remote-development options are separate. Use the main setting for local development; enable remote features only when you have a specific deployment or diagnostics need.
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| Option | What it is for | When to enable it |
|---|---|---|
| Developer Mode | Local app development, deployment, testing, debugging, and sideloading. | When you need the development features it unlocks. |
| Device Portal | Remote configuration and diagnostic access. It is disabled by default and must be enabled separately. | When you need remote diagnostics or configuration. Microsoft’s current overview directs users to Settings > System > Advanced to enable it. See Windows Device Portal overview. |
| Device Discovery | Makes the PC discoverable on a network for deployment workflows and enables an SSH server. | Only when the PC is intended to act as a remote deployment target. |
For a typical personal computer used only for local development, Device Portal and Device Discovery are optional—not prerequisites. Remote access and discoverability can expose additional network-facing functionality, so avoid enabling them without a clear need.
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If Developer Mode is missing or unavailable
- Search Settings for developer mode if the page is not visible where expected.
- Confirm whether your PC is on Windows 11 version 25H2 or later; the section moved under System > Advanced in that release.
- If the device is managed by an organization, its policy may prevent you from enabling the setting. Microsoft also states that Developer Mode requires local administrator privileges.
If a policy blocks the change, contact your organization’s administrator rather than trying to bypass its controls.
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