Windows Feature Updates

Microsoft releases a new feature update for Windows 11 annually. These feature updates typically contain new features along with security enhancements and other improvements. Feature updates are assigned a version number based on the year and which half of the year they are released. (e.g. version 25H2 was released in the second half of 2025.) Campus Technology Support (CTS) evaluates feature updates prior to broadly deploying them to University-owned computers. This article describes the deployment process for feature updates.

Initial Availability

When CTS has determined a feature update is ready for use on University-owned computers, it is initially made available as an optional upgrade to existing Windows 11 computers.

~ This can be seen by the Windows Update icon appearing in the taskbar with a blue dot.

         windows update icon on a black background with a blue dot 

   

~ Clicking this icon will open the Settings app to the Windows Update section and you will see a special box offering the option to download and install the     available feature update. This can be done at your convenience, and you can continue to work while the update is downloaded and prepared.   

        windows update showing a white background with blue and black text. there is a blue button to check for updates on the right hand side as well as a button to download and install any updates needed

~ Once the update is finished installing and a restart is needed to complete the process, you will see the usual Windows Update icon in the taskbar with an orange dot indicating a restart is needed.

        windows update icon showing on a black background with a yellow dot 


~ Clicking this icon will again open the Settings app to the Windows Update section where you can initiate or schedule the pending restart. The restart must be completed within 14 days.

        windows update screen on white background with black text and a blue restart now button with a drop down box. 


~ You will also see additional options when you select the power button in the start menu to update and restart or shut down.

        sign in options screen on a black background showing the power button in the start menu to update and restart or shut down 

Required Upgrade


After the initial availability period, the upgrade will become required and will automatically begin the download and installation process in the background like regular, monthly updates. You will receive notifications to complete the feature update process with a restart in the same way you are notified to restart with regular updates. The restart must be completed within 14 days.


Keywords:
pc update, feature update, windows, os 
Doc ID:
158048
Owned by:
Help Desk K. in UW-Milwaukee Help Desk
Created:
2026-01-22
Updated:
2026-04-09
Sites:
UW-Milwaukee Help Desk