Alex Ruben
How to Disable Developer Mode on Windows 11 for Domain Users Using Group Policy
In this guide, we will walk through the process of creating and applying a Group Policy Object (GPO) to disable Developer Mode on Windows 11 for domain users. This is a crucial step for IT administrators who aim to enhance security in corporate or educational environments by preventing users from installing applications from integrated development environments (IDEs) directly. By disabling Developer Mode, you ensure users cannot develop or sideload applications from tools like Visual Studio, thereby reducing the risk of unauthorized software installations.
Before you begin, ensure you have administrative access to the Windows Server where Active Directory is managed. This guide is applicable for Windows Server 2019 and 2022, and assumes your environment is already set up for Group Policy management.
Step 1: Open Server Manager and Access Group Policy Management
Start by opening the Server Manager on your Windows Server. From the dashboard, navigate to the Tools menu and select Group Policy Management. This will open the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC).
Step 2: Create a New Group Policy Object
In the GPMC, expand the forest on the left panel and select your domain name. Right-click on the Organizational Unit (OU) where you want to apply the policy and select Create a GPO in this domain, and Link it here. In the new GPO window, assign a distinctive name to the policy for easy identification later, and click OK.
Step 3: Edit the Group Policy Object
Right-click on the newly created GPO and select Edit. This will open the Group Policy Management Editor where you can configure the settings.
Step 4: Navigate to the Relevant Policy
In the Group Policy Management Editor, navigate to the following path:
Computer Configuration ➡ Policies ➡ Administrative Templates ➡ Windows Components ➡ App Package Deployment
Once in the correct location, look for the policy titled Allows development of packaged Microsoft Store applications and installing them from an integrated development environment.
Step 5: Disable Developer Mode
Double-click on the policy to open it. Select the Disabled option to ensure that Developer Mode is turned off for the users in the specified OU. After making this change, click Apply and then OK to save your settings. You can then close the Group Policy Management Editor.
Step 6: Update and Verify Group Policy on Client Devices
To ensure the new policy is applied, you will need to force a Group Policy update on the client machines. This can be done by opening the Command Prompt and executing the following command:
gpupdate /force
Alternatively, you can restart the client machines to allow the new policy to take effect.
Step 7: Verify the Policy Application
On a client Windows 11 machine, navigate to Settings > System > For Developers. Here, you should see that the Developer Mode option is disabled, confirming that the policy has been successfully applied.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Ensure that your Group Policy Management snap-in is up to date and that you have the necessary permissions. If the policy does not seem to apply, check the Active Directory replication and ensure that the client machine is correctly connected to the domain.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you have successfully disabled Developer Mode on Windows 11 for your domain users, enhancing the security of your network environment. For further management tips, consider reviewing additional guides on Group Policy implementations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Developer Mode and why should it be disabled?
Developer Mode allows users to install applications from IDEs, which can pose security risks in managed environments. Disabling it prevents unauthorized applications from being installed.
Can I apply this policy to multiple OUs at once?
Yes, you can link the same GPO to multiple OUs as needed to ensure consistent policy application across your organization.
What if users still see Developer Mode enabled after applying the policy?
If users still see Developer Mode as enabled, ensure that the GPO is properly linked to the correct OU and that a Group Policy update has been executed on the client machines.