Enable optional updates

Policy ID
AllowOptionalContent
Scope
Computer Configuration
Supported on
At least Windows Server 2025, Windows 10 Version 21H2, or Windows 11 Version 22H2
Source
Administrative Templates (.admx) for Windows 11 2026 Update (26H2) (version 1.0)
Category
Windows Components › Windows Update › Manage updates offered from Windows Update

Description

This policy enables devices to get optional updates (including gradual feature rollouts (CFRs) - learn more by visiting aka.ms/AllowOptionalContent)

When the policy is configured

• If "Automatically receive optional updates (including CFRs)" is selected, the device will get the latest optional updates automatically in line with the configured quality update deferrals. This includes optional cumulative updates and gradual feature rollouts (CFRs).

• If "Automatically receive optional updates" is selected, the device will only get optional cumulative updates automatically, in line with the quality update deferrals.

• If "Users can select which optional updates to receive" is selected, users can select which optional updates to get by visiting Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates. Users can also enable the toggle "Get the latest updates as soon as they're available" to automatically receive optional updates and gradual feature rollouts.

Options

  • Select how users receive optional updates:
    • Automatically receive optional updates (including CFRs)
    • Automatically receive optional updates
    • Users can select which optional updates to receive

Registry

ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
  • SetAllowOptionalContentREG_DWORD
  • AllowOptionalContentREG_DWORD

Other policies in the same category

View all policies in this category (7)