Disable gradual rollout of Microsoft Defender updates.

Policy ID
DisableGradualRelease
Scope
Computer Configuration
Supported on
At least Windows Server 2016, Windows 10 Version 1607
Source
Administrative Templates (.admx) for Windows 11 2026 Update (26H2) (version 1.0)
Category
Windows Components › Microsoft Defender Antivirus › MpEngine

Description

Enable this policy to disable gradual rollout of Defender updates.

Current Channel (Broad): Devices set to this channel will be offered updates last during the gradual release cycle. Best for datacenter machines that only receive limited updates.

Note: This setting applies to both monthly as well as daily Defender updates and will override any previously configured channel selections for platform and engine updates.

If you disable or do not configure this policy, the device will remain in Current Channel (Default) unless specified otherwise in specific channels for platform and engine updates. Stay up to date automatically during the gradual release cycle. Suitable for most devices.

Registry

ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
  • DisableGradualReleaseREG_DWORD

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