Feature Update: Gradual Rollouts restoration in Windows Autopatch

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.

[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.