Today during the Microsoft Build 2016 event it was announced that the Xbox One can be turned into a dev kit. The preview of developer mode will be available later today with a full feature release coming with the Anniversary update to Windows 10 this summer.

Microsoft showed off how you can turn the console the console into dev kit mode via downloaded apps from the Xbox Store. A console owner must register as a developer, once then the Dev Mode Activation App can be used to switch the console over to dev kit mode and back.

This dev kit mode can be used to build and test Universal Windows Apps and games. This Dev Mode is currently in preview so it is recommended that only experienced developers use the Dev Mode.

As this feature is currently in preview build and it changes the way the console operates, at this time it’s possible content currently downloaded will be removed. Please keep this in mind.

Microsoft sent over a list of things you need to know before joining the preview:

1. You cannot join the Xbox Dev Mode developer preview if you are currently enrolled in any other Xbox One preview group, this includes the Xbox One System Update Preview Program. You can opt-out of the System Update Preview Program through the Xbox Preview Dashboard app.


2. You must first join the Windows Insider Program and download the latest Windows Insider SDK Preview release on a Windows 10 PC.


3. You must download and install Visual Studio 2015 Update 2 on your Windows 10 PC.


4. Download and run the Dev Mode Activation app from the Xbox store on your console to gain access to the Dev Mode software that will be made available to you as a member of the Dev Preview Group.


5. When you run the app you will receive an activation code.


6. Create a Windows Developer Center account through a PC web browser here. This requires a one-time cost of $19 USD for a personal account. Accept the terms and conditions, and enter that activation code; this gives your Xbox One the entitlement to join the Dev Preview Group.


7. Your console will download a system update and may reboot during installation.


8. Once downloaded, go back to the Dev Mode Activation app to finish activating Dev Mode on your retail Xbox One, transforming it into a dev kit; your console will reboot again and the process will be complete.


9. While your retail console is in Dev Mode, you will not be able to run your existing Xbox One games or apps. To play your games or apps again, disable Dev Mode to return the console into Retail Mode and play again.

Posted: Mar 30, 2016 3:18 pm
Related Forum: Xbox Forum