Know what the Windows Update "Advanced options" toggles do

Know what the Windows Update "Advanced options" toggles do — via Microsoft Learn

Hidden settinglow riskWindows 11

A few easily missed switches change update behaviour a lot: getting new features early, updating Office and other Microsoft apps, downloading over metered connections, and showing a notice when a restart is needed.

Takes effect right away

How to do it

Settings → Windows Update → Get the latest updates as soon as they're available: on = optional preview updates and gradually rolled-out features install early. Leave off if you prefer stability.
Settings → Windows Update → Advanced options → Receive updates for other Microsoft products: also updates Office and other Microsoft software through Windows Update.
Same page → Download updates over metered connections: leave off to save mobile data.
Same page → Notify me when a restart is required to finish updating: shows a heads-up instead of a silent pending restart.

Microsoft documents these as values under HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsUpdate\UX\Settings (IsContinuousInnovationOptedIn, AllowMUUpdateService, RestartNotificationsAllowed2), but use the Settings toggles. On managed PCs the Enable optional updates policy can lock the first toggle.

windows updateoptional updatespreview updatesoffice updatesrestart notification

Set Active Hours so updates never restart you mid-work — via Microsoft Learn

Hidden settinglow risk

Windows won't automatically restart for updates during your active hours. You can set them by hand or let Windows learn them from your activity; admins can also enforce a range by policy.

Reclaim space from old updates (WinSxS cleanup) — via Microsoft Learn

Commandmedium riskAdmin

Old versions of updated components pile up in the WinSxS folder. A DISM command removes superseded versions now instead of waiting for Windows' own scheduled cleanup. Never delete WinSxS files by hand — that can break Windows.

Delay feature updates by up to a year — via Microsoft Learn

Group Policylow riskAdminPro / Enterprise / Education

Instead of pinning a version, you can ask Windows to wait a set number of days (0–365) after a feature update is released before offering it — letting others find the bugs first. Monthly security updates keep coming.

Know what the Windows Update "Advanced options" toggles do — via Microsoft Learn

How to do it

Sources

More in Windows Update

Set Active Hours so updates never restart you mid-work — via Microsoft Learn

Reclaim space from old updates (WinSxS cleanup) — via Microsoft Learn

Delay feature updates by up to a year — via Microsoft Learn