Windows 10 Feature Updates Deferral Option Removed By Microsoft through Settings App

Microsoft has removed the option to defer Windows 10 2004 updates through Windows Update but still allows it to be configured via group policies for business versions. Since Windows 10 version 1703, the giant company included a setting that allows people to defer the installation of feature updates for up to 365 days.

The Reason behind this removal is that during 2019, Microsoft applied a new installation policy that congested forcing new feature updates on Windows 10 automatically, and only target automatic updates on systems running on version looming the end of service. On the consequence of this alteration, a number of devices are now only updating once a year making the option to defer updates disused.

See what Microsoft wrote in a support document for IT pros:

“Last year, we changed update installation policies for Windows 10 to only target devices running a feature update version that is nearing end of service. As a result, many devices are only updating once a year. To enable all devices to make the most of this policy change, and to prevent confusion, we have removed deferrals from the Windows Update settings Advanced Options page starting on Windows 10, version 2004.”

One can still defer, but not as easily as before. Microsoft mentions if you want to “continue leveraging deferrals,” you can choose to use local Group Policy instead.

Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Windows Update for Business > Select when Preview builds and Feature Updates are received or Select when Quality Updates are received.

Most business users and IT admins decide to upgrade their PCs only once a year using this deferral option, usually after a new Windows 10 feature update has been baked for several months, if not an entire year. Note that this change comes with the release of latest Windows 10 version 2004, which means business users should still have the option to defer through the Settings app if they want to delay this feature update.