On Windows 11, you can enable an option to download and install the latest non-security updates automatically ahead of monthly Patch Tuesday updates, and in this guide, you will learn how. As part of the maintenance process for the operating system, Microsoft releases quality updates (also known as “cumulative updates”) every second Tuesday of the month. Also referred to as “Patch Tuesday” or “Update Tuesday.” Internally, these updates are known as the “B” release because they roll out during the second week of the month. These types of updates include security fixes and non-security fixes, new features, and improvements.
In addition to the “B” release, the company also makes available two more updates, including the “C” and “D” releases that become available in the third and fourth week of the month. These updates are optional and contain non-security fixes as well as new features and improvements (except security fixes) expected to arrive in the next Patch Tuesday update.
Although you can always check for updates manually to install the “D” updates during the fourth week of the month, Windows 11 now includes a new option that you can turn on manually to receive the upcoming features, changes, and fixes automatically.
This guide will teach you the steps to receive optional update previews with the new fixes, features, and changes before they become available to everyone on Windows 11.
Enable automatic optional update previews on Windows 11
To get the latest updates of Windows 11 before the official monthly rollout, use these steps:
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Open Settings on Windows 11.
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Click on Windows Update.
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Turn on the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” toggle switch.
Once you complete the steps, the system will receive updates from the “D” release containing non-security fixes, new features, and improvements that Microsoft plans to roll out as part of the monthly maintenance update on Windows 11.
It’s important to note that this release won’t include security fixes since not everyone will be installing these updates will open an opportunity for malicious individuals to exploit current vulnerabilities.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].