Microsoft is shaking things up for enterprise IT professionals with a bold new policy that hands newfound power over Windows 11 update management directly to IT administrators. In what can only be described as a much-needed evolution in device provisioning, the tech giant is enabling organizations to ensure that new Windows 11 devices are not only up-to-date from the get-go but also set up exactly as an organization intends — without the user having to manually scramble through update procedures post-setup.
Traditionally, setting up a new Windows 11 device meant a double-click of a button by the end-user to trigger Windows Update once the out-of-box experience (OOBE) was complete. However, in Windows 11 version 24H2, Microsoft introduced a mechanism where the Windows Setup process itself checks for updates multiple times during the initial device setup. While this ensures that a device is fully updated before it sees its first user, it also lengthens the initial setup time — averaging around 20 minutes, with variations depending on the update size, network conditions, and hardware performance.
Now, starting mid-2025, enterprise customers will see a shift: a new policy lets IT admins disable the automatic installation of cumulative quality updates during the OOBE. This new level of control is available through popular management tools such as Windows Autopilot, Microsoft Intune, and even traditional Group Policy methods. Essentially, this policy allows organizations to tailor the update experience according to their specific needs, syncing existing update settings (like deferrals and pause policies) across an array of devices.
Microsoft Intune, as part of the modern management suite, further empowers admins to synchronize update deferrals and pause policies across managed PCs. For organizations reliant on traditional on-premises tools, the familiar Group Policy settings continue to offer a reliable way to enforce these configurations.
IT professionals must weigh these factors carefully. For example:
Are you ready to take these new controls for a spin? How do you see this policy impacting the overall provisioning strategy in your organization? Let’s discuss in the comments below!
Source: Petri IT Knowledgebase New Policy to Let IT Admins Manage Windows 11 Updates During OOBE
What’s Changing in the Update Process?
Traditionally, setting up a new Windows 11 device meant a double-click of a button by the end-user to trigger Windows Update once the out-of-box experience (OOBE) was complete. However, in Windows 11 version 24H2, Microsoft introduced a mechanism where the Windows Setup process itself checks for updates multiple times during the initial device setup. While this ensures that a device is fully updated before it sees its first user, it also lengthens the initial setup time — averaging around 20 minutes, with variations depending on the update size, network conditions, and hardware performance.Now, starting mid-2025, enterprise customers will see a shift: a new policy lets IT admins disable the automatic installation of cumulative quality updates during the OOBE. This new level of control is available through popular management tools such as Windows Autopilot, Microsoft Intune, and even traditional Group Policy methods. Essentially, this policy allows organizations to tailor the update experience according to their specific needs, syncing existing update settings (like deferrals and pause policies) across an array of devices.
How Does This Benefit IT Departments?
- Enhanced Customization: IT teams can configure when and how bulk updates roll out across their organization. Instead of each device embarking on an automatic, potentially time-consuming update journey during setup, updates can be scheduled or deferred to occur during maintenance windows.
- Improved Security Posture: The new policy ensures that devices receive the essential security patches right at the end of the OOBE. This means that once the device is handed off to users, it is already secure, reducing the risk window of exposure to vulnerabilities.
- Streamlined Management: With update settings that can be centralized and propagated through management tools, administrators can implement a uniform update strategy across a fleet of devices. This harmonized approach is a boon for security compliance and operational efficiency.
- Retention of Critical Updates: It’s important to note that this policy does not interfere with the OOBE Zero Day Package (ZDP) updates. These critical updates are automatically downloaded and installed to preemptively ward off known security threats, ensuring that no device falls prey to vulnerabilities out of the box.
Technical Deep Dive: Windows Autopilot, Intune, and Group Policy
For those in the IT trenches, this policy is a reminder of how management tools like Windows Autopilot and Microsoft Intune are evolving. With Windows Autopilot, organizations have long been able to pre-configure devices even before they’re shipped to the end-user. Now, with the option to disable cumulative updates during setup, IT administrators gain granular control — effectively deciding when updates occur without compromising initial security.Microsoft Intune, as part of the modern management suite, further empowers admins to synchronize update deferrals and pause policies across managed PCs. For organizations reliant on traditional on-premises tools, the familiar Group Policy settings continue to offer a reliable way to enforce these configurations.
Broader Implications for Windows 11 Deployment
This policy marks a significant milestone in Windows 11’s lifecycle as it adapts to meet the demands of large-scale deployments. The balance between ensuring robust security and minimizing disruption during device setup is delicate. On one hand, integrating update management into the setup process enhances security by ensuring devices are fully patched before use. On the other, the extended setup times could potentially lead to productivity hiccups if not managed correctly.IT professionals must weigh these factors carefully. For example:
- Pro: A secure and pre-updated device reduces risk and may lead to lower helpdesk calls related to update issues after deployment.
- Con: The added time during setup might inconvenience users in environments where rapid deployment is critical.
Navigating the Changes: Tips for IT Administrators
For IT organizations planning to leverage this new update control policy, here are a few practical steps:- Assess and Plan: Evaluate your current update strategies and identify where the new policy can bring the most benefit. Consider the balance between setup time and security needs.
- Implement Through MDM Solutions: If you’re using Microsoft Intune or similar mobile device management (MDM) tools, update your configuration profiles to incorporate the new settings.
- Leverage Group Policy: For organizations still using on-premises solutions, update your Group Policy Objects (GPOs) to align with the desired update behavior during OOBE.
- Test in a Pilot Environment: Before widespread implementation, run pilot tests to understand the impact on setup times and verify that security patches are being applied as intended.
- Communicate with End-Users: Ensure that users understand the rationale behind extended setup times if the policy is applied, to alleviate any potential frustration.
Conclusion
The new Windows 11 update management policy reflects Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to providing flexible, secure, and user-friendly solutions for enterprise environments. It underscores a broader trend: empowering IT admins with control over device provisioning without compromising on security. While the extended setup time might be a small inconvenience in the short term, the long-term benefits of streamlined security and management could end up being a game changer for large organizations.Are you ready to take these new controls for a spin? How do you see this policy impacting the overall provisioning strategy in your organization? Let’s discuss in the comments below!
Source: Petri IT Knowledgebase New Policy to Let IT Admins Manage Windows 11 Updates During OOBE
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