check before: 2026-02-02
Product:
Entra, Intune, Microsoft 365 admin center, Microsoft 365 Groups, Microsoft Graph, Windows, Windows Autopatch
Platform:
Developer, Online, World tenant
Status:
Change type:
Updated message, Feature update, Admin impact
Links:
Details:
Summary:
Starting February 2, 2026, Gradual Rollouts for Windows Feature Updates will be reinstated in Windows Autopatch, allowing admins to manage deployments via Intune or Microsoft Graph API. Existing policies remain active, and Autopatch Groups continue supporting phased deployments. Review policies and communicate changes accordingly.
Details:
[Introduction]
In October 2025, we announced (MC1098167) the removal of Gradual Rollouts for Feature Updates in Windows Autopatch. Based on customer feedback and operational learnings, we are reinstating Gradual Rollouts to provide organizations with more flexibility and reduce deployment overhead when managing Windows Feature Update deployments.
[When this will happen:]
General Availability (Worldwide): This change will take effect February 2, 2026.
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
Created:
2026-01-16
updated:
2026-01-16
Task Type
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Docu to Check
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MS How does it affect me
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MS Preperations
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MS Urgency
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MS workload name
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summary for non-techies**
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Direct effects for Operations**
Deployment Overhead
Without proper preparation, the reinstatement of Gradual Rollouts may lead to increased deployment overhead, causing delays in updates and potential system inconsistencies.
- roles: IT Admin, Helpdesk Support
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/mem/intune/protect/windows-update-rollout-options" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://learn.microsoft.com/mem/intune/protect/windows-update-rollout-options, https://learn.microsoft.com/graph/api/resources/windowsupdates-gradualrolloutsettings?view=graph-rest-beta
User Experience
If changes are not communicated effectively, users may experience unexpected system behavior or downtime during the update process, leading to frustration and decreased productivity.
- roles: End User, IT Admin
- references: https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=2109431, https://learn.microsoft.com/mem/intune/protect/windows-update-rollout-options" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://learn.microsoft.com/mem/intune/protect/windows-update-rollout-options
Configutation Options**
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explanation for non-techies**
Imagine you're organizing a large event, like a wedding. You wouldn't want all the guests to arrive at the same time because it would create chaos. Instead, you might stagger their arrival times to ensure everything runs smoothly. This is similar to what Microsoft is doing with Windows Autopatch and its Gradual Rollouts feature for Windows Feature Updates.
Previously, Microsoft had removed the option for Gradual Rollouts, which meant that updates were deployed to all devices at once. This could be overwhelming, much like having all your wedding guests show up simultaneously. Based on feedback, Microsoft has decided to bring back Gradual Rollouts starting February 2, 2026. This means that IT admins can now choose to deploy updates in stages, allowing them to manage the process more efficiently and reduce the risk of issues.
Admins can use tools like Intune or Microsoft Graph API to set up these staggered deployments. It's like having a wedding planner who can manage the guest list and schedule arrivals to ensure everything goes off without a hitch. Existing policies for Gradual Rollouts will continue to work, so there's no need to start from scratch. Organizations can also use Autopatch Groups for phased deployments, which is akin to having different seating arrangements or schedules for different groups of guests.
As this change approaches, it's important for organizations to review their current update policies and communicate these changes to their IT teams. This is similar to briefing your event staff on the new plan to ensure everyone is on the same page. If there are any questions or if assistance is needed, support is available through the Intune admin center, much like having a hotline to your wedding planner for any last-minute concerns.
In summary, the reinstatement of Gradual Rollouts provides more flexibility and control over how updates are deployed, much like managing the flow of guests at a well-organized event.
** AI generated content. This information must be reviewed before use.
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