Fix “Get the Latest Updates as Soon as They Are Available” Greyed Out in Windows 11 via Intune
If the “Get the latest updates as soon as they are available” toggle is greyed out in Windows 11, it’s because your Windows Update policies are being managed by Intune or Group Policy. This setting is part of Windows Update for Business and can only be changed if the right Intune configuration profile allows it.
Here’s how to fix it and give users the ability to control this feature.
1. Why the Option Is Greyed Out
When Windows Update settings are managed by policies (either from Intune, Group Policy, or local registry edits), users lose control over certain update options.
Even if you manually modify the registry key:
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsUpdate\UX\Settings
IsContinuousInnovationOptedIn
…the toggle will remain greyed out because policy enforcement overrides it.
That’s why you need to adjust it through Microsoft Intune using the Settings Catalog.
2. Configure the Policy in Intune
To enable users to opt in to early feature drops or “Continuous Innovation” updates, follow these steps:
Steps in Intune Admin Center:
- Go to Devices > Configuration profiles > Create profile.
- Choose:
- Platform: Windows 10 and later
- Profile type: Settings catalog
- Click Create and name your policy (e.g., Enable Optional Content Updates).
- In Settings picker, search for:
Allow Optional Content(You’ll find it under Windows Update for Business.) - Select one of the following options:
- Automatically receive optional updates (including CFRs) – enables the feature automatically for all users.
- Users can select which optional updates to receive – lets users control the toggle themselves.
- Assign the policy to your target user or device groups.
- Save and deploy the policy.
3. What Each Option Does
| Setting | Behavior |
|---|---|
| Automatically receive optional updates | Enables “Get the latest updates” automatically. Users will always receive optional and feature updates early. |
| Users can select which optional updates to receive | Allows users to manually toggle the setting in Settings → Windows Update. |
| Disabled or Not Configured | The option stays greyed out, and users can’t enable it. |
4. Reference – Microsoft Documentation
For more technical details, check Microsoft’s official documentation:
Policy CSP – Update > AllowOptionalContent
This page outlines the exact CSP (Configuration Service Provider) values Intune uses to apply this setting at the system level.
5. Key Takeaways
- The “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” option is part of Windows’ Continuous Innovation updates.
- If Intune or GPO controls Windows Update, the setting becomes greyed out for end users.
- You must modify the Allow Optional Content setting in Intune’s Windows Update for Business section to re-enable it.
- After deployment, users can either have the feature auto-enabled or manually toggle it depending on your policy.
Example Use Case
If your organization wants to test new Windows features early (e.g., the latest Copilot updates or design changes), you can safely enable Automatically receive optional updates (including CFRs) for a pilot group.
For production users, you can instead choose Users can select, allowing flexibility without forcing updates.
