Microsoft has confirmed that it has begun testing “Windows configuration updates” for Windows 11 in the production channel. These updates bring non-security updates, fixes, and enhancements such as search bar support in the Task Manager or a “End Task” button for the taskbar” to devices through various servicing technologies.
Microsoft is testing a new feature called “Get the latest updates as they become available” in Windows 11 22H2 or later. You receive certain features when the feature is enabled as part of a new “Windows Configuration Updates” update. This option ensures that users skip the A/B testing and get new features as early as possible.
To enable this feature, navigate to Start > Settings > Windows Update and toggle between ‘Download the latest updates as they become available’. This ensures that your device is prioritized for future updates while still receiving regular security updates. Once done, you will see configuration updates on the Windows Update history page.
This was confirmed in a support document published by the company earlier this month and spotted by Proxa News this week.
For those who don’t know, you can view the history of installed updates by navigating to Start > Settings > Windows Update > Update History. For more information about specific configuration changes, expand the “Other updates” section and click the “More information” link to access Microsoft’s support bulletins.
Here’s everything you need to know about the configuration updates:
- Microsoft respects your Windows Update settings and will not restart your device without a notification. This means that the company respects your active hours.
- You will continue to receive security updates whether you have enabled or disabled the feature.
- Enabling the feature will force your device to reboot more times per month as you get more fixes and improvements that require a reboot.
As you probably know, Microsoft uses Controlled Feature Rollouts (CFR) technology to gradually enable features for Windows 11 configurations. As each feature is validated, it will be rolled out to new devices and eventually enabled by default in a later monthly security update.
In the document, Microsoft noted that it is committed to periodically delivering new improvements and experiences to the latest version of Windows 11 on the market through Windows’ existing monthly update process.
The company uses a phased and measured approach, which may involve CFR technology, as seen in the Windows Insider Program and Microsoft Edge.
