Windows Configuration Updates explained
Microsoft released KB5026446 for Windows 11 version 22H2 a few days ago. The official changelog for the Windows update lists just two new features, even though it is also including the features of the Moments 3 update for the operating system.
Some users may have wondered how that can be. The explanation is straightforward: Microsoft decided to separate the features of the Moments 3 update from the actual preview update for Windows 11 version 22H2.
The Windows Configuration Update comes into play right then and there. It holds the key to the features of the Moments 3 update, and any future Moments update. Whether devices get the configuration update is determined by the new Windows Update setting Get Updates as soon as they're available, which I explained previously.
When the setting is enabled in Windows Update or via Group Policy, devices will receive the required configuration update that unlocks the new features on the device. Devices to which just the regular KB5026446 is downloaded, receive only the changes of that update, but not those of the Moments update.
Microsoft has published a new Windows configuration updates history page on its Support website. The company will publish all configuration updates for Windows 11 and likely also future versions of Windows there.
The company explains: "The updates listed here are turned on using Controlled Feature Rollout (CFR) technology. Using CFR, we gradually roll out new features. When we have confirmed that each feature is ready, we will gradually roll it out to other devices. Eventually, it will be included in a later monthly update."
For now, only the May 24, 2023 configuration update is listed on the page. It lists all the feature improvements that are associated with the Moments 3 update for the Windows 11 operating system.
Windows 11 devices will receive the features of the Moments 3 update in a cumulative update for the operating system, likely on the June 2023 Patch Tuesday on June 13th, 2023.
Windows 11 administrators may enable the features using the ViVeTool, if they do not want to enable the "get the latest updates as soon.." option in Windows Update or Group Policy.
To summarize:
- Installing a preview update is not enough anymore to receive Moments feature update, and maybe other updates, as early as possible in the future, starting with Moments 3.
- The box "get updates early" determines whether devices will receive configuration updates that will unlock the new features.
- The ViVeTool may be used to unlock the features, without enabling the get updates early option.
- Feature updates will become available as part of cumulative updates for all Windows 11 users.
Now You: what is your take on the new approach? (via Neowin)
There is not still W11 23H2 and these instructions are nonsense by now. :[
It worked for me just fine. You’re probably not following the instructions clearly.
Just tried the password option and the OOBE option and didnt work.
Worked perfectly. Thank OP.
Worked perfectly for me just now. Specifically, the regedit option.
Is this cut and paste from a Microsoft PR paper, because it 1000% BS:
“By listening to user insights, Microsoft has demonstrated its commitment to refining the Windows experience based on real-world needs.”
Windows 11 is proof they don’t give a s*it.
Worked for me just now
I agree! Windows 11 was a downgrade to me and I kept all 8 computers in our family on Windows 10 as a result. They didn’t listen to any customers. The taskbar was THE main reason I stayed away from Windows 11. With 6 monitors, it is impossible to navigate so many browser tabs, without the feature. I will try the new version in the virtual box to see if it is worth it yet.
Microsoft did a terrible job with this implementation.
They simply need to employ the creator of StartAllBack to fix Windows. He is smarter and more talented than the entire campus of Microsoft employees.
lol
Thank you so much! I work in IT and this is extremely useful information!
Thanks man. The second method worked great!
I used the second method, and i got exactly what i expected.
Using the Bypass 2: Use a banned email address email worked fantastically as I had gone to far to use the bypass 1.
I will be back when I next have a problem.
Keep you the great work
W11 File Explorer is the worst crap ever done. W11 is the biggest shame ever.
Just one more reason for me to go to Linux when Windows 10 ages out.
@ MarineRecon,
Be careful which Linux distro you choose. Some of them don’t include the Wayland protocol which is a security issue i.e. apps can copy, paste and inject data without user interaction.
It’s included in Fedora: https://docs.fedoraproject.org/en-US/fedora/latest/system-administrators-guide/Wayland/
How about a DARK MODE for your website? That would be oh so nice.
Something like this : [https://img.justpaste.me/image/8617] maybe?
Done with ‘Dark Reader Extension for ? Firefox’ [https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/darkreader/]
This comment was written on [https://www.ghacks.net/windows-11-installation-has-failed-how-to-fix-this-upgrade-error/#comment-4573155}
Definitely NOT! Once you get older and your eyesight starts to fail you’ll positively loathe dark mode.
Not sure what eye problems *you’re* having, but for me the exact opposite is true. Dark Mode is MUCH easier on my Eyes.
BTW- I’m 52, and have worked in IT all my life. Been staring at monitors for hours each day, most days of the week since the late 1980’s.
Microsoft completely ruined File Explorer by converting to XAML/WinUI/whatever new bloated modern garbage. Its worse than it ever was.
i tested it on win10 current edition. speeds up explorer like a charm
SO what is the priority numbers to give preference to ethernet over wireless?
Worked very well happy to have Windows Photo Viewer back in action in Windows-11
Worked for me (registry option) thank god, I can use the search option to find things on my computer again. Thank you so much!
Install Everything Search and dispense with Microsoft’s crappy search tool. https://www.voidtools.com/
Martin wrote an article on it: https://www.ghacks.net/2020/10/09/add-everything-search-to-the-windows-taskbar-for-even-faster-searches/
I presume the text “WindowsCopilot,,” is a typographical error (2023/09/17/how-to-disable-windows-copilot-in-windows/). The broken comment system unfortunately looks like it is populating itself via AI autopilot.
Hopefully, this Windows Copilot nonsense fails even more spectacularly than Cortana. Who requested this? We want all of the UX features removed back in 11, not this copilot nonsense.
I really don’t mind all of these Windows enhancement but Microsoft get one thing very wrong. ‘Opt in’, is far better than seek information and work to disable.
Turn off Windows Copilot entirely is not good enough.
How to uninstall Copilot entirely ?
@ ilev,
Use Gpedit or the registry. Explained in this article: https://www.ghacks.net/2023/09/17/how-to-disable-windows-copilot-in-windows/
With that snake oil salesman Panos gone, hopefully Windows can return to a normal desktop operating system without all the insanity it has right now in Windows 11.
Can we please stop being ‘politically correct’ (lying) and call them ads again instead of ‘suggestions’?
@ Martin,
Does your gpedit hack also turn off all the other “subscribed content” shown in the registry screenshot? Do you happen to know what all those are?