Xbox One / Series X|S · Developer Mode setup
Check your console model, register your developer account and activate Microsoft’s retail Developer Mode route.
Start with your console
Activate once, connect over your LAN, then install the matching native UWP build.
One, One S or One X
Use Xbox One compatible x64 UWP packages. For XBSX2 select SSE4. Expect tighter emulator performance limits than on Series consoles.
Series S or Series X
Use the Series build where offered. For XBSX2 select AVX2. Performance depends on the app and game; Dev Mode does not grant unrestricted hardware access.
What you need
A retail console, controller, internet for activation, a registered developer account, and a computer with a browser on the same LAN. USB storage is optional and app-specific.
1 · Register & activate
- Create or check your developer accountNew users should start at Microsoft Store developer registration . Microsoft’s account page, updated 29 October 2026, says the new Individual and Company flow has no registration fee. Individual registration uses a personal Microsoft account, government ID and selfie. Complete verification and reach the Partner Center Apps & Games workspace. Existing fully registered accounts can be reused.
- Install Xbox Dev Mode on the consoleIn the console Microsoft Store, find the Microsoft-published Xbox Dev Mode app. Open it and note the activation code. Keep the console connected while activation completes.
- Register the displayed codeOn your computer sign into the same registered app-developer account and open Manage Xbox development consoles . Enter the code shown on your own console and review Microsoft’s activation agreement. A normal Microsoft account without completed developer enrollment is insufficient.
- Switch and restartAfter successful activation choose Switch and restart in Xbox Dev Mode. Developer Home opens in the development environment. Keep a console user signed in when deploying apps.