Enable Automatic Optional Updates on Windows 10

The updates are a fundamental aspect to keep your Windows 10 operating system safe and up to date. Usually, updates are installed automatically through Windows Update, but until now it wasn’t possible to enable automatic updates for optional updates. However, with the latest group policy settings changes in Windows 10, it is now possible to enable this feature on the older operating system as well.

What is an optional update?

Optional updates differ from the classic security and system updates that are regularly released by Microsoft. These updates generally contain important corrections and enhancements, but are not considered essential for the system to function correctly.

If you encounter a rare or serious problem that could compromise the device’s functionality, an optional update might be the solution. It’s always recommended to read the changelog of the update and check if there are problem reports from other users before installing it.

Enabling automatic optional updates

To enable automatic optional updates on Windows 10, you need to open the Group Policy Editor. This functionality is available only in the Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise versions. Follow these steps:

1. Open the Start menu and type ‘gpedit.msc’ in the search bar.
2. Click with the right mouse button on the ‘Group Policy Editor’ application and select ‘Run as administrator’.
3. In the Group Policy Editor, expand the ‘Computer Configuration’ folder and go to ‘Administrative Templates’.
4. Expand the ‘Windows Components’ folder and select ‘Windows Update’.
5. In the list of settings on the right, look for ‘Enable optional updates’ and double-click on it.
6. Select ‘Enabled’ and click ‘OK’.

You have now enabled automatic optional updates on Windows 10. You can choose between two options:

• ‘Receive automatic optional updates (including controlled rollout versions)’: this option allows you to receive all the new optional updates, including those distributed through controlled rollouts.
• ‘Receive automatic optional updates’: this option allows you to test the optional update of the next Patch Tuesday in advance.

CoPilot available on Windows 10

Microsoft has recently introduced CoPilot, its artificial intelligence-based assistant, on Windows 10. Initially available for users in the Release Preview Insider program, it is expected that CoPilot will soon be distributed to all users.

However, it is important to note that CoPilot will be available only for the Home and Pro versions of Windows 10. Users of the Education and Enterprise versions can use CoPilot right away. To try CoPilot, you need to enable the option ‘Get the latest updates not when they are available’ in the Windows settings and verify the presence of updates.

As reported on Microsoft’s Tech Community blog, many of CoPilot’s functions remain exclusive to Windows 11. This could indicate that support for Windows 10 might not be extended beyond 2025, and users should transition to Windows 11 to fully utilize CoPilot.

In conclusion, keeping your Windows 10 operating system up to date is essential for security and proper functionality. By enabling automatic optional updates, you can receive all the new updates, including those distributed through controlled rollouts, and make the most of the capabilities offered by Windows 10 and CoPilot.