Windows 11 Adds Option to Download Updates as Soon as They’re Available

Microsoft has just released the April 2023 preview updates for Windows 11 and Windows 10, and the KB5025305 update for Windows 11 version 22H2 introduces a new toggle for downloading the latest updates as soon as they’re available. This will apply to non-security updates released on the fourth week of the month, as well as other improvements and enhancements.

Microsoft often introduces new Windows features in optional non-security preview releases, which the company ships ahead of the “Patch Tuesday” security update coming the following month. That was the case for new features like Search Highlights or the new OneDrive storage alerts in the Settings app.

The recent “Moment 2” update for Windows 11 was also made available with the optional update for Windows 11 version 22H2 released in late February. That’s probably why Microsoft says on a support page about this new Windows Update toggle that it will give you “the latest non-security and feature updates as soon as they become available for your device.”

After downloading today’s optional update, turning on the Windows Update toggle to get the latest updates as soon as they’re available will prioritize your device for getting the latest non-security updates, fixes, improvements, and enhancements. The toggle will be automatically disabled on managed devices.

Microsoft says that turning the toggle may require your PC to reboot more often, though Windows Update will respect your active hours and let you schedule reboots. You can also set the toggle to off at any time.

Today’s optional update for Windows 11 version 22H2 also introduces new animations to a couple of icons on the Widgets taskbar button. You’ll notice these new animations when you hover over or click the Widgets button or when a new announcement appears on this button.

This new Windows Update toggle and the new animations for the Widgets taskbar button will roll out to all users running Windows 11 version 22H2 next month.