Switching modes
Switching Between Retail and Developer Modes
Your console does not run retail and developer environments at the same time. Instead, you switch between them, and the console reboots into whichever you choose. The good news is that switching is quick, safe, and as reversible as it gets.
From retail to developer
If you have already activated Developer Mode, you can re-enter it from the Dev Mode Activation app, which offers a switch option. The console reboots into the developer sandbox where your sideloaded apps live.
From developer back to retail
In Dev Mode, open the developer settings and choose to leave Developer Mode or restart in retail. The console reboots into your normal Xbox experience with all your games and apps as you left them.
Two environments, one console
Think of it as two doors into the same machine. Retail mode is your everyday Xbox; developer mode is your homebrew workshop. Switching simply chooses which door you walk through next.
Things to keep in mind
- Each switch involves a reboot, so it takes a moment.
- Your retail games and saves are never altered by switching.
- Developer apps stay installed in the sandbox between sessions.
Fully deactivating Developer Mode (rather than just switching to retail) removes the developer environment. You can re-activate later, but you will set the sandbox up again, so only deactivate if you truly want to stop using Dev Mode.