Turn Off Test Mode on Windows 10/11

Windows · January 2026 · 6 min read

Disable Test Mode banner

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.

What is Test Mode?

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.

How to confirm Test Mode is enabled

  • 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.

Why disable Test Mode?

  • 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.

Video walkthrough

Solution 1: Command Prompt

1) Open Command Prompt as Administrator

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

Open Command Prompt as admin

2) Disable Test Mode

Run the command below to turn Test Mode off:

bcdedit /set testsigning off
Disable test mode command

3) Reboot

Restart Windows to apply the change and exit Test Mode.

Reboot to apply
Quick tip: To re-enable Test Mode later, run bcdedit /set testsigning on from an elevated prompt.

Common issues and fixes

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

Solution 2: PowerShell

1) Open PowerShell as Administrator

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

Open PowerShell as admin

2) Disable Test Mode

Run the same command in PowerShell:

bcdedit /set testsigning off
PowerShell command

3) Reboot

Restart Windows to exit Test Mode.

Reboot after PowerShell

Wrap up

Test Mode should stay off on production machines. Use it only when needed for development, then disable it with the commands above and reboot to restore normal driver signature enforcement.

FAQ

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.