- Windows 11 now receives new features and enhancements using Controlled Feature Rollout.
- This is a technology that allows Microsoft to update devices gradually.
- Once new features have been validated, they will ship turned on by default.
UPDATED 11/11/2025: On Windows 11, the Controlled Feature Rollout (CFR) technology is the system Microsoft uses to gradually deliver new features to compatible devices instead of enabling them all at once.
The company employs several mechanisms to bring innovation to Windows 11 throughout the year. Features can arrive through cumulative monthly updates, feature updates that typically appear in the second half of the year, or updates delivered directly from the Microsoft Store for certain apps and system components.
In the past, when an update was released, new features would activate automatically once installed. That approach has changed. Now, Microsoft includes many new features in updates but keeps some of them disabled by default, only activating them later through Controlled Feature Rollout once they’ve been tested and validated for your hardware and configuration.
For instance, after installing a new update, you might not see every announced feature immediately. While the update contains all the underlying code, many of the new experiences remain hidden until Microsoft enables them remotely through the CFR system. This allows the company to monitor stability, performance, and compatibility across different devices before expanding availability.
Microsoft also applies CFR to Windows Insider preview builds, monthly optional non-security updates, and even Microsoft Edge releases. Once features have been proven reliable in testing and early deployment, they become available to everyone, typically enabled by default in the next cumulative security update, commonly known as the Patch Tuesday update.
If you’re missing a particular feature, it’s sometimes possible to enable it manually using third-party tools. One well-known option is ViveTool, which lets you turn on hidden or experimental features if you know their unique identification numbers. However, since these changes can affect system stability, it’s best reserved for advanced users or testing environments.
Because the software giant can now release new capabilities at any time through cumulative updates, the traditional feature update has become less significant in terms of functionality. Nevertheless, it remains crucial for versioning and support timelines. Each feature update defines a new support cycle—two years for Windows 11 Home and Pro editions, and three years for Enterprise and Education editions.
Update November 11, 2025: This content has been updated with new information, and it’s been revised to ensure accuracy.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert and founder of Pureinfotech in 2010. With over 22 years as a technology writer and IT Specialist, Mauro specializes in Windows, software, and cross-platform systems such as Linux, Android, and macOS.
Certifications: Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), VMware Certified Professional (VCP), and CompTIA A+ and Network+.
Mauro is a recognized Microsoft MVP and has also been a long-time contributor to Windows Central.
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