Are you an IT administrator seeking ways to maximize the potential of Windows Update for Business deployment service? Microsoft is pleased to introduce increased flexibility in Windows feature updates. This new capability enables a streamlined deployment of Windows 11 upgrades across organizations, ensuring all devices remain up to date while minimizing disruptions to workflows.
Evolution of Windows Update Process
Previously, the Windows Update for Business deployment service would automatically discover relevant updates for systems, downloading and installing them without user involvement. This process was due to feature updates being presented to organizations as mandatory updates. As an IT administrator, you could establish a gradual rollout schedule or set deferrals for devices, granting users a brief window before updates were enforced and devices restarted. Now, organizations have the option to offer feature updates as optional, making it easier for users to upgrade before the mandatory rollout. This approach offers several advantages:- Early Feedback: By allowing select users to opt in as early testers, valuable insights can be gathered before full deployment, ensuring a seamless experience.
- Risk Mitigation: Testing feature updates in advance helps assess benefits and potential risks, reducing the likelihood of widespread issues upon deployment.
- Enhanced Productivity: Allowing users to choose their update installation time minimizes disruptions to organizational workflows, enhancing overall productivity. The best part is that administrators have full control over which devices receive the optional update and when they can access it. Existing rollout options, such as the start date and gradual rollout, determine when the optional update becomes available on user devices.
Deployment with Microsoft Intune
For those utilizing Microsoft Intune, deploying feature updates as optional is a straightforward process:- Navigate to the Microsoft Intune admin center.
- Go to Devices > Windows 10 and later updates > Feature Updates and select "Create new Profile."
- Set the deployment as optional or required and choose to make the update available to users.
- Once created, users can access the optional update within 1-2 days, allowing them to download and install it at their convenience. Ready to transition to mandatory deployment for remaining devices? Simply adjust the feature deployment settings accordingly. Additionally, gradual rollout and other settings can be configured for devices that require the update, facilitating a smooth transition to mandatory deployment.
Empowering Organizations with Seamless Upgrades
With these updates, organizations can ensure a user-centric and seamless approach to Windows 11 upgrades. By empowering users with this innovative capability, organizations can stay ahead of system updates and enhance operational efficiency. For further guidance on feature updates in Microsoft Graph or Microsoft Intune, refer to the official documentation provided by Microsoft. To stay updated and engage in discussions, bookmark the Windows Tech Community and follow @MSWindowsITPro on Twitter. For support, visit Windows on Microsoft Q&A. Remember, registering as a user is necessary to add comments and actively participate in the community discussions.