Turning on Developer Mode to Install Private Internet Access (PIA) on Windows

Turning on Developer Mode to Install Private Internet Access (PIA) on Windows

In most cases, the Private Internet Access (PIA) app can be installed without changing any Windows settings. However, if Windows is preventing the installation from completing, enabling Developer Mode may help.

Note: Developer Mode is intended for testing and installing applications outside of the Microsoft Store. You only need to enable it if Windows is blocking the PIA installer.

Turn On Developer Mode

  1. Open the Start menu and select Settings.

Windows 11 Start menu, with the "Settings" app icon highlighted in a green box.

  1. Navigate to System and select Advanced.

Windows 11 "System" settings menu, with the "Advanced" option highlighted in a green box.

  1. Turn on Developer Mode.

Windows 11 "Advanced" settings page, with the "Developer Mode" toggle highlighted in a green box.

  1. If prompted, enter your password and click Yes to confirm.
A confirmation prompt asking "Turn on developer mode?" with the "Yes" button highlighted in a green box.

Once Developer Mode is enabled, run the PIA installer again. After the installation is complete, you can return to the Advanced settings page and disable Developer Mode if you no longer need it.

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