Microsoft will no longer force install Windows 11 feature updates on PCs

Admins will get an option to deem an update optional or required

2 min. read

Published onMay 22, 2024

published onMay 22, 2024

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Good news for IT admins who want to control the feature updates installed on their organization’s Windows 11 devices.

At theMicrosoft Build Conference 2024, Microsoft announced many features and updates, includingPreview 4 for .NET 9, theavailability of GitHub Copilot to the public,andhow Recall feature helps developers understand the users.

Apart from these, the Redmond tech giant also mentioned that IT and system admin can manage the deployments of feature updates on their organization’s devices. Windows Update for Business will now include an option for IT heads to select whether the update is optional or required.

This means that IT admins can choose whether to install feature updates like 24H2 on the devices under them unless they are important or required.

What are the benefits of the change?

In a blog post on the Microsoft tech community site, Surabhi Calla, a Senior Program Manager at the company, mentioned the benefits:

Starting today, it’s even easier for the users at your organization to upgrade early if you offer them feature updates as optional. This gives you the following benefits:

How can I deploy and monitor feature updates as optional using Microsoft Intune?

Go to theMicrosoft Intune admin center. Navigate toDevices>Windows 10 and later updates>Feature Updatesand selectCreate new Profile.

Choose the new deployment setting to set deployment as optional or required. Next, selectMake available to users as an optional updateto allow users to choose the update timing.

Once the deployment is created and the update is available, you can go toSettings>Windows Updateto download and install it whenever you want.

Once the policy is added, the optional update is available for users within 1-2 days. The feature will roll out gradually and is expected to be available to all by May 24, 2024.

What do you think about this change? Share your views with our readers in the comments section below.

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Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier#

Microsoft will no longer force install Windows 11 feature updates on PCs#

What are the benefits of the change?#

How can I deploy and monitor feature updates as optional using Microsoft Intune?#

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier

Microsoft will no longer force install Windows 11 feature updates on PCs

What are the benefits of the change?

How can I deploy and monitor feature updates as optional using Microsoft Intune?