Turning off Test Mode in Windows 10 isn’t exactly rocket science, but it can feel a bit dodgy if you’re not familiar with the commands or menus. Essentially, Test Mode is a special startup state that lets you run unsigned drivers — often used by developers or if something fishy is going on with driver signatures. If you notice that annoying “Test Mode” watermark on your desktop, it’s probably time to disable it to get things back to normal and secure. Luckily, it’s mostly a matter of running a command in the Command Prompt and rebooting, but details matter, so here’s what to keep in mind.
How to Turn Off Test Mode in Windows 10
Open Command Prompt as Administrator
- Hit the Windows key and type “cmd, ” then right-click on Command Prompt.
- Select Run as administrator. If you’re not an admin user, this won’t work — gotta log in with an account that has admin rights because Windows likes to make security a pain.
This step is crucial — without admin privileges, the command won’t be able to change the system settings. Sometimes, on certain setups, it doesn’t seem to work initially, so make sure you’ve got those permissions sorted.
Type the Command to Disable Test Mode
- In the elevated command prompt, type
bcdedit -set TESTSIGNING OFFand hit Enter. - This command basically toggles the boot configuration to tell Windows not to allow unsigned drivers anymore. Sometimes it’s like flipping a switch that says, “Nope, only signed drivers allowed now.”
Be careful with typos here — misspellings can cause errors or, worse, leave you stuck in a weird state. On one machine, this command worked first try; on another, it threw some errors until I ran the command prompt explicitly as admin and checked for typos.
Restart Your PC for Changes to Take Effect
- Close the command prompt.
- Reboot your machine — this step is crucial. Think of it like rebooting your phone after installing an app or updates. Rebooting clears out the old state and applies the new settings.
After the reboot, the “Test Mode” watermark should vanish. If it doesn’t, double-check the command or try running it again. Sometimes Windows can be stubborn, or maybe you forgot to run as administrator.
Tips for Turning Off Test Mode in Windows 10
- Ensure you’re logged into an account with administrative privileges.
- Double-check your command syntax — a tiny typo can keep Test Mode stuck.
- If errors pop up, verify your drivers are signed — unsigned drivers can cause issues, and sometimes Windows won’t let you disable Test Mode if it detects unsignable drivers still installed.
- Avoid turning off Test Mode if you need to keep testing unsigned drivers — it’s a trade-off between security and flexibility.
- Backup your system or create a restore point, just in case something weird happens — Windows isn’t always predictable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Windows 10 in Test Mode?
Test Mode is turned on usually because of testing unsigned drivers or after installing some software that activates it. On some setups, it might happen without you realizing — kinda sneaky little setting.
Is it safe to turn off Test Mode?
Yeah, generally it’s safer. Disabling Test Mode helps prevent unsigned drivers from running, which could be risky or unstable. Basically, it’s a good idea unless you’re actively testing unsigned drivers for a reason.
What if the Test Mode message doesn’t go away?
Check if you ran the command correctly with administrative rights. Also, ensure you did a full restart afterward. Sometimes, Windows needs a second reboot or a quick log out/log in cycle for everything to settle.
Can I turn Test Mode back on if needed?
Absolutely — that’s why the command is reversible. Just run bcdedit -set TESTSIGNING ON in an admin command prompt, then reboot.
Will turning off Test Mode break my programs?
Not unless those programs depend on unsigned drivers. For most regular stuff, it’s just about tightening security.
Summary
- Open Command Prompt as Admin
- Type and run
bcdedit -set TESTSIGNING OFF - Reboot your PC
Wrap-up
This is a pretty straightforward fix, and once it’s done, your system runs cleaner and safer without that annoying “Test Mode” watermark. It’s mostly about ensuring only trusted drivers are used, which is a good move unless you’re into driver testing setups. If it worked, that’s cool — just keep in mind you might need it back someday if you’re doing driver development or testing. For everyday life, turning it off is usually the smarter choice.
Hopefully this shaves off a few hours or headaches for someone. Just remember to always have backups when mucking around with system settings like this.