Enable Windows Developer Mode via Regedit

Developer Mode in Windows grants access to advanced developer features, debugging tools, and the ability to sideload uncertified Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps. While this feature is typically toggled via the Windows Settings app, it can also be configured directly through the Windows Registry Editor by modifying a specific DWORD value.

The Developer Mode Registry Key and Value

To control the activation of Developer Mode, navigate to the following registry path:

• Registry Path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\AppModelUnlock
• Value Name: AllowDevelopmentWithoutDevLicense
• Value Type: REG_DWORD (DWORD 32-bit Value)

Value Data Settings

• 1 = Enabled (Developer Mode is activated)
• 0 = Disabled (Developer Mode is turned off)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Press Windows Key + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
2. In the navigation bar or left pane, go to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\AppModelUnlock (If the AppModelUnlock key does not exist, right-click CurrentVersion, select New > Key, and name it AppModelUnlock.)
3. In the right pane, look for the AllowDevelopmentWithoutDevLicense DWORD value. If it does not exist, right-click an empty area, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it AllowDevelopmentWithoutDevLicense.
4. Double-click AllowDevelopmentWithoutDevLicense, change its Value data to 1, and click OK.
5. Restart your computer or restart the explorer.exe process for the changes to take full effect.

Optional Sideloading Requirement

For full functionality, ensure that app sideloading is also enabled alongside Developer Mode:

• Value Name: AllowAllTrustedApps
• Value Type: REG_DWORD
• Value Data: 1 (Enabled)

Setting both AllowDevelopmentWithoutDevLicense and AllowAllTrustedApps to 1 fully activates all developer and sideloading features on the system.