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Manage Developer Mode on Windows 10 using Group Policy

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Hi All,

We’ve had a few folks want to know how to disable Developer Mode using Group Policy, but still allow side-loaded apps to be installed.  Here is a quick note how to do this. (A more AD-centric post from Linda Taylor is on it way)

On the Windows 10 device, click on Windows logo key‌ clip_image001 and then click on Settings.

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Click on Update & Security

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From the left-side pane, select For developers and from the right-side pane, choose the level that you need.

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· If you choose Sideload apps: You can install an .appx and any certificate that is needed to run the app with the PowerShell script that is created with the package. Or you can use manual steps to install the certificate and package separately.

· If you choose Developer mode: You can debug your apps on that device. You can also sideload any apps if you choose developer mode, even ones that you have not developed on the device. You just have to install the .appx with its certificate for sideloading.

Use Group Policy Editor (gpedit) to enable your device:

Using Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc), a developer mode can be enabled or disabled on computers running Windows 10.

1. Open the Windows Run box using keyboard, press Windows logo key‌ +R

2. Type in gpedit.msc and then press Enter.

3. In Group Policy Editor navigate to Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\App Package Deployment.

4. From the right-side pane, double click on Allow all trusted apps to install and click on Enabled button.

5. Click on Apply and then OK .

Notes:

· Allow all trusted apps to install

o If you want to disable access to everything in for developers’ disable this policy setting.

o If you enable this policy setting, you can install any LOB or developer-signed Windows Store app.

If you want to allow side-loading apps to install but disable the other options in developer mode disable "Developer mode" and enable "Allow all trusted apps to install"

· Group policies are applied every 90 minutes, plus or minus a random amount up to 30 minutes. To apply the policy immediately, run gpupdate from the command prompt.

For more information on Developer Mode, see the following MSDN article:
https://msdn.microsoft.com/library/windows/apps/xaml/dn706236.aspx?f=255&MSPPError=-2147217396