07-01-2020 , 08:20 PM
Quote:Microsoft has removed the setting allowing users to defer feature updates in Windows 10 2004 but still allows it to be configured via group policies for business versions.
Since Windows 10 version 1703, Microsoft has included a setting that allows users to defer the installation of feature updates for up to 365 days.
Starting in Windows 10 2004, users have begun to notice that this setting no longer exists in the Windows Update Advanced options screen, and users can now only pause all updates for up to 35 days.
As noted by ZDNet, Microsoft updated their 'What's new in Windows 10, version 2004 for IT Pros' documentation and stated that the setting was removed to avoid confusion.
"Update less: Last year, we changed update installation policies for Windows 10 to only target devices running a feature update version that is nearing end of service. As a result, many devices are only updating once a year. To enable all devices to make the most of this policy change, and to prevent confusion, we have removed deferrals from the Windows Update settings Advanced Options page starting on Windows 10, version 2004. If you wish to continue leveraging deferrals, you can use local Group Policy (Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Windows Update for Business > Select when Preview builds and Feature Updates are received or Select when Quality Updates are received)."
Microsoft made this change because feature updates are only forcibly installed in Windows 10 when they are nearing the end of service, and thus the setting is no longer needed.
For Windows 10 Pro and other enterprise versions, you can still defer feature updates through Group Policies by launching the Group Policy Editor (gpedit) and go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Windows Update for Business > Select when Preview builds and Feature Updates are received or Select when Quality Updates are received.
More info HERE