Are you tired of seeing the “Test Mode” watermark on your Windows 10 screen? Do you want to remove it permanently and enjoy a clutter-free desktop experience? Look no further! In this article, we will guide you through the process of removing test mode in Windows 10, explaining the reasons behind this feature and providing step-by-step instructions to help you get rid of it for good.
What is Test Mode in Windows 10?
Test Mode, also known as Test Signing Mode, is a feature in Windows 10 that allows developers to test and validate their software and drivers without having to obtain a digital certificate from Microsoft. When Test Mode is enabled, Windows 10 allows the installation of unsigned drivers and software, which can be useful for developers who need to test their products in a controlled environment.
However, for regular users, Test Mode can be annoying, especially when it displays a watermark on the desktop. The watermark can be distracting and may even affect the overall performance of the system.
Why Do You Need to Remove Test Mode?
There are several reasons why you may want to remove Test Mode from your Windows 10 system:
- Aesthetics: The Test Mode watermark can be unsightly and may detract from the overall appearance of your desktop.
- Performance: Test Mode can affect the performance of your system, especially if you have installed unsigned drivers or software that are not optimized for your hardware.
- Security: Test Mode can pose a security risk, as it allows the installation of unsigned software and drivers that may contain malware or other malicious code.
How to Remove Test Mode in Windows 10
Removing Test Mode in Windows 10 is a relatively straightforward process that involves disabling the Test Signing Mode feature and removing the watermark from the desktop. Here are the steps to follow:
Method 1: Disable Test Signing Mode using the Command Prompt
- Press the Windows key + X and select Command Prompt (Admin) from the menu.
- Type the following command and press Enter:
bcdedit -set TESTSIGNING OFF - Restart your computer to apply the changes.
Method 2: Disable Test Signing Mode using the Registry Editor
- Press the Windows key + R and type
regeditin the Run dialog box. - Navigate to the following registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\SecureBoot - Look for the
AllowTestSigningvalue and set it to 0. - Restart your computer to apply the changes.
Method 3: Remove the Watermark using the Registry Editor
- Press the Windows key + R and type
regeditin the Run dialog box. - Navigate to the following registry key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop - Look for the
PaintDesktopVersionvalue and set it to 0. - Restart your computer to apply the changes.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you encounter any issues while trying to remove Test Mode from your Windows 10 system, here are some troubleshooting tips to help you resolve the problem:
- Check for updates: Make sure your system is up-to-date, as newer updates may resolve issues related to Test Mode.
- Disable any recently installed software: If you have installed any new software recently, try disabling it to see if it resolves the issue.
- Run a virus scan: Malware can cause issues with Test Mode, so run a virus scan to ensure your system is clean.
Common Errors and Solutions
Here are some common errors you may encounter while trying to remove Test Mode, along with their solutions:
- Error 1: “The value is protected by Secure Boot Policy”
- Solution: Disable Secure Boot in the UEFI settings and try again.
- Error 2: “The registry key is not found”
- Solution: Check the registry key path and ensure it is correct.
Conclusion
Removing Test Mode from your Windows 10 system is a relatively straightforward process that can be accomplished using the methods outlined in this article. By disabling Test Signing Mode and removing the watermark from the desktop, you can enjoy a clutter-free desktop experience and improve the overall performance and security of your system. Remember to troubleshoot any issues that may arise and seek help if you need it.
By following the steps outlined in this article, you can break free from Test Mode and enjoy a better Windows 10 experience.
What is Test Mode in Windows 10?
Test Mode in Windows 10 is a feature that allows developers and testers to test and validate the functionality of their software and hardware on the Windows platform. When Test Mode is enabled, it allows the installation of unsigned drivers and software, which can be useful for testing purposes. However, it can also pose a security risk if left enabled, as it can allow malicious software to be installed on the system.
Test Mode is usually enabled during the development and testing phase of software and hardware, but it can sometimes be left enabled on production systems, which can cause issues. In such cases, it is essential to remove Test Mode to ensure the security and stability of the system.
Why do I need to remove Test Mode in Windows 10?
You need to remove Test Mode in Windows 10 to ensure the security and stability of your system. When Test Mode is enabled, it can allow malicious software to be installed on your system, which can compromise your data and put your system at risk. Additionally, Test Mode can also cause issues with the proper functioning of your system, including errors and crashes.
Removing Test Mode is also essential if you want to receive updates and support from Microsoft. Microsoft does not support systems that are running in Test Mode, and you may not be able to receive updates and security patches if Test Mode is enabled. Therefore, it is crucial to remove Test Mode to ensure that your system is secure, stable, and up-to-date.
How do I know if my Windows 10 system is in Test Mode?
You can check if your Windows 10 system is in Test Mode by looking for the “Test Mode” watermark on the desktop. If you see this watermark, it means that Test Mode is enabled on your system. You can also check the System Properties to see if Test Mode is enabled. To do this, press the Windows key + Pause/Break, and then click on “Advanced system settings” on the left side.
If you see “Test Mode” listed under the “System” section, it means that Test Mode is enabled on your system. You can also use the Command Prompt to check if Test Mode is enabled. To do this, open the Command Prompt as an administrator and type the command “bcdedit /enum” and press Enter. If you see “testsigning” listed in the output, it means that Test Mode is enabled on your system.
What are the risks of leaving Test Mode enabled in Windows 10?
Leaving Test Mode enabled in Windows 10 can pose several risks to your system. One of the main risks is the installation of malicious software, which can compromise your data and put your system at risk. Test Mode allows the installation of unsigned drivers and software, which can be used by hackers to install malware on your system.
Another risk of leaving Test Mode enabled is the lack of support from Microsoft. Microsoft does not support systems that are running in Test Mode, and you may not be able to receive updates and security patches if Test Mode is enabled. This can leave your system vulnerable to security threats and make it more susceptible to errors and crashes.
How do I remove Test Mode in Windows 10?
To remove Test Mode in Windows 10, you can use the Command Prompt or the System Configuration utility. To use the Command Prompt, open it as an administrator and type the command “bcdedit /set testsigning off” and press Enter. This will disable Test Mode on your system.
Alternatively, you can use the System Configuration utility to remove Test Mode. To do this, press the Windows key + R, type “msconfig” in the Run dialog box, and press Enter. In the System Configuration utility, click on the “Boot” tab, and then uncheck the box next to “Safe boot” and “Test signing”. Click “OK” to save the changes and restart your system.
Will removing Test Mode affect my system’s performance?
Removing Test Mode in Windows 10 should not affect your system’s performance. Test Mode is a feature that allows the installation of unsigned drivers and software, but it does not affect the performance of your system. Once you remove Test Mode, your system will function normally, and you should not notice any difference in performance.
However, removing Test Mode may cause some software or drivers to stop working if they were installed while Test Mode was enabled. This is because these software and drivers may not be signed by Microsoft, and removing Test Mode will prevent them from working. In such cases, you may need to reinstall the software or drivers or obtain signed versions from the manufacturer.
Can I re-enable Test Mode in Windows 10 if needed?
Yes, you can re-enable Test Mode in Windows 10 if needed. To do this, you can use the Command Prompt or the System Configuration utility. To use the Command Prompt, open it as an administrator and type the command “bcdedit /set testsigning on” and press Enter. This will enable Test Mode on your system.
Alternatively, you can use the System Configuration utility to re-enable Test Mode. To do this, press the Windows key + R, type “msconfig” in the Run dialog box, and press Enter. In the System Configuration utility, click on the “Boot” tab, and then check the box next to “Safe boot” and “Test signing”. Click “OK” to save the changes and restart your system.