Table of Contents
Summary
- Gradual Rollouts for Feature Updates in Windows Autopatch will be reinstated.
- Admins can manage Gradual Rollout settings in the Intune admin center and Microsoft Graph API.
- Existing gradual rollout policies will remain functional until their configured end dates.
- Autopatch Groups can still be utilized for phased deployments with customizable options.
- Review existing Feature Update policies and communicate this change with relevant teams.
Admin Impact: Medium
User Impact: Low
Release Start: 02 Feb 2026
Release End: 02 Feb 2026
Services: Windows
Category: Stay informed
Tags: Updated, Feature Update, Admin Action
History
1/16/2026 Item Added to Message Center
Microsoft Message
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.
How this affects your organization
Who is affected:
Admins using Windows Autopatch to manage Windows Feature Updates through Microsoft Intune.
What will happen:
- Starting February 2, 2026, Gradual Rollouts for Feature Updates will again be available and supported in Windows Autopatch.
- You will be able to create or modify Gradual Rollout settings in the Intune admin center or through the Microsoft Graph API.
- Any existing gradual rollout policies will continue functioning through their originally configured end dates.
- You can continue to use Autopatch Groups if phased deployments are a better fit for your organization. Autopatch Groups support ring‑based deployments using Entra ID groups, multi‑phase Feature Update rollouts with custom schedules and deadlines, and policy‑level control for organizations that need more customization.
What you can do to prepare
- Review your existing Feature Update policies beginning February 2, 2026.
- Communicate this change to your helpdesk or device management teams as appropriate using the Microsoft Intune admin center.
- If you have questions or need assistance, you can submit a service request directly from the Intune admin center.
- Review updated documentation on Microsoft Learn and Microsoft Graph.
Updated guidance and configuration details will be available in the following Microsoft Learn articles:
- Configure schedules to gradually roll out Windows updates in Intune
- gradualRolloutSettings resource type (Microsoft Graph beta)
Compliance considerations
No compliance considerations identified, review as appropriate for your organization.