Policy
Enable optional updates
Microsoft Windows
Policy overview
Key metadata and intent for this policy.
Supported OS tags: Windows10, Windows10RT, Windows11, WindowsServer2016
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.
Registry values
How enabled and disabled states update the registry.
| Scope | Registry location | Type | Enabled value | Disabled value | Copy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer | Path Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate Value name SetAllowOptionalContent | REG_DWORD | HKLM 1 | HKLM 0 |
Policy elements
Inputs and configuration options exposed by this policy.
| Scope | Element | Type | Registry mapping | Constraints & behavior | Copy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer | Select how users receive optional updates: ID AllowOptionalContent | enum | Path Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate Value name AllowOptionalContent Type REG_DWORD | Options: Automatically receive optional updates (including CFRs) (1), Automatically receive optional updates (2), Users can select which optional updates to receive (3) |