Policy

Enable optional updates

Windows 11 25H2

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Policy overview

Key metadata and intent for this policy.

ClassComputer
CategoryWindows Components > Windows Update > Manage updates offered from Windows Update
Supported onAt least Windows Server 2025, Windows 10 Version 21H2, or Windows 11 Version 22H2

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.

Internal name
AllowOptionalContent
Policy ID
ae20a7b3538e
Elements
1

Registry values

How enabled and disabled states update the registry.

Registry locationTypeEnabled valueDisabled value
HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\SetAllowOptionalContentREG_DWORD
1
0

Policy elements

Inputs and configuration options exposed by this policy.

ElementTypeRegistry mappingConstraints & behavior
Select how users receive optional updates:
ID AllowOptionalContent
enum
HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\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)

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