Windows 🟢 Beginner

How to View Active Windows Update Policies in Windows 11

Written by

Richard

Aug 19, 2022 Updated Sep 15, 2026 4 min read

Windows Update policies Windows 11

Windows Update policies are specific rules that control how updates install and behave on your Windows 11 PC. Employers, schools, or network administrators often set these rules to manage how software updates roll out across devices.

Checking your active policies helps you figure out why certain update options appear greyed out or why your computer installs updates automatically at set times. You can view these rules directly inside the Windows 11 Settings app to see exactly what controls your system updates.

⚡ Quick Answer

You can view Windows Update policies in Windows 11 through the Settings app under Advanced options, or by using the Registry Editor at 🗝️HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate. A command-line report can also be generated using gpresult /h.

Checking Your Configured Update Policies in 🪟 Windows 11 Settings

Microsoft provides a way to view these policies directly within the Windows 11 Settings app . You don’t need to be a tech expert. Follow these steps to see exactly what’s configured for your Windows Updates.

Step 1Open the Settings App

The Settings app lets you manage Windows Update policies Windows 11 and check system configurations. Open the app by pressing the Win and the I key at the same time on your keyboard. You can also click the Start button and select the gear icon to open Settings .

Keyboard Shortcut: Press the Win and the I key on your keyboard at the same time. This is a handy shortcut!
Start Menu : Click the Start button (the Windows logo) on the taskbar , then click the Settings icon (it looks like a gear).

Windows 11 Start menu with Settings gear icon highlighted.

Whichever method you choose, the Settings window will appear, giving you access to your PC’s configurations.

Step 2Navigate to Windows Update

Windows Update contains the system controls you need to view Windows Update policies Windows 11 and check for software patches. Find this section by clicking Windows Update in the left-hand menu of the Settings app. Scroll down the list if you do not see it right away.

💡TipIf you don't see "Windows Update" right away, you might need to scroll down the list on the left.

If you don't see "Windows Update" right away, you might need to scroll down the list on the left. It's usually near the bottom.

Windows Update button highlighted in Windows 11 Settings menu.

Step 3Access Advanced Options

On the right side of the Windows Update screen, you'll see various settings and information. Click on "Advanced options." This is where you'll find more detailed configurations.

Windows 11 Advanced Options screen showing Windows Update settings

Step 4Find Configured Update Policies

Configured update policies appear in Windows 11's Advanced options for Windows Update. To view these policies, scroll down to the section labeled "Configured update policies." Click on this section, which may appear as a clickable link or a heading with an arrow.

Windows 11 Settings showing configured update policies options.

Step 5Review the List of Policies

You can now see all active Windows Update policies on your device. Each policy shows its specific setting or value. These policies are the rules that control how Windows Update works on your PC.

Windows 11 Settings: Allow updates to be managed by policy.

Summary

Viewing active Windows Update policies in Windows 11 helps you understand your PC's update behavior. By accessing the 'Configured update policies' section in Settings, you can see any rules set by administrators or yourself, giving you better control over your updates.

How to View Active Windows Update Policies in Windows 11