Turn Off Test Mode on Windows 10/11

Test Mode lets Windows load unsigned drivers. That is useful during development, but risky to leave enabled on a daily driver. Here is why you should turn it off and the quickest ways to disable it with Command Prompt or PowerShell.

Test Mode is a Windows boot setting that allows installation of unsigned or self-signed drivers. Developers use it to test drivers before getting a production signature. On everyday PCs, it weakens driver signature enforcement and can make the system more vulnerable.

• Look for the "Test Mode" watermark in the bottom-right corner of the desktop.
• Run bcdedit /enum and check for testsigning Yes.
• Open System Information and look for "Test Mode" under system summary.

• It is usually meant for dev/test environments to load unsigned drivers.
• It can linger after an incomplete driver install.
• Malware can force Test Mode to bypass signature checks.

1) Open Command Prompt as Administrator

Press Win + S, search for cmd, then choose Run as administrator.

2) Disable Test Mode

Run the command below to turn Test Mode off:

bcdedit /set testsigning off

3) Reboot

Restart Windows to apply the change and exit Test Mode.

1) Open PowerShell as Administrator

Press Win + S, search for Windows PowerShell, and pick Run as administrator.

2) Run Command

bcdedit /set testsigning off

3) Reboot

Restart Windows to exit Test Mode.

• Access is denied: Make sure Command Prompt or PowerShell is opened as Administrator.
• Secure Boot enabled: Test Mode may not toggle if Secure Boot policies block it.
• Watermark still visible: Run the command again, then reboot. Fast Startup can delay changes.

Will disabling Test Mode break my drivers?

Unsigned drivers that require Test Mode may stop loading. If a device stops working, uninstall the unsigned driver and install a signed version from the manufacturer.

Is it safe to keep Test Mode on?

It is not recommended on daily-use systems because it lowers protection against malicious drivers.