The BranchReadinessLevel setting in Windows is crucial for IT administrators who manage when and how Windows updates are deployed across an organization. This setting determines the readiness level of updates that your devices will receive, allowing you to control whether they get the latest features immediately or after they have been more widely tested. Adjusting the BranchReadinessLevel can help ensure system stability and compatibility with enterprise applications.

In Windows, BranchReadinessLevel can be configured using Group Policy, the Windows Registry, or via PowerShell. This article will guide you through each method, providing step-by-step instructions and examples.

Examples:

Using Group Policy

1. Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.
2. Navigate to Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Windows Update -> Windows Update for Business.
3. Double-click on the Select when Preview Builds and Feature Updates are received policy.
4. Set the policy to Enabled.
5. Under Options, choose between Semi-Annual Channel (Targeted) or Semi-Annual Channel and specify the number of days to defer updates if needed.
6. Click Apply and OK.

Using the Windows Registry

1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
2. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate.
3. If the WindowsUpdate key does not exist, right-click on Microsoft\Windows, select New -> Key, and name it WindowsUpdate.
4. Right-click on WindowsUpdate, select New -> DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it BranchReadinessLevel.
5. Double-click on BranchReadinessLevel and set its value to:
   • 16 for Semi-Annual Channel (Targeted)
   • 8 for Semi-Annual Channel
6. Click OK and close the Registry Editor.

Using PowerShell

1. Open PowerShell as an administrator.

2. Run the following command to set the BranchReadinessLevel to Semi-Annual Channel (Targeted):

   Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate" -Name "BranchReadinessLevel" -Value 16

   Or to set it to Semi-Annual Channel:

   Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate" -Name "BranchReadinessLevel" -Value 8

3. Verify the setting by running:

   Get-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate" -Name "BranchReadinessLevel"

By configuring the BranchReadinessLevel, you can better manage the deployment of Windows updates, ensuring that your systems remain stable and compatible with your organization's needs.