Optional Features Missing Win10, 11

Question

Hi,

Is there any change from the Microsoft side for adding optional Windows 10 and 11 features like ADS Tools through the APPs container instead of using PowerShell? It seems missing now.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Optional features has been moved to system section is Setting App recently.

Open Settings > System then scroll down to the button, you will see "Optional Features".

Answer 2

Where are these mysterious optional Features ?

Answer 3

Here's how you can add optional features in both Windows 10 and Windows 11:

Windows 10:

Settings:

• Open "Settings" from the Start menu.
• Go to "Apps" and then to "Optional Features."
• Click on "Add a feature" and select the feature you want to install.

PowerShell:

• Open PowerShell as an administrator.
• Use the Get-WindowsCapability and Add-WindowsCapability cmdlets to manage optional features.

Example:

powershellCopy code
Get-WindowsCapability -Online | ? { $_.Name -like '*ADSD*' } | Add-WindowsCapability -Online

Windows 11:

Settings:

• Open "Settings" from the Start menu.
• Go to "Apps" and then to "Optional Features."
• Click on "Add a feature" and select the feature you want to install.

PowerShell:

• Open PowerShell as an administrator.
• Use the Get-WindowsCapability and Add-WindowsCapability cmdlets to manage optional features.

Example:

powershellCopy code
Get-WindowsCapability -Online | ? { $_.Name -like '*ADSD*' } | Add-WindowsCapability -Online

Note:

• Ensure that you have administrative privileges when making these changes.
• Features might be categorized differently in the Settings app, so you may need to explore different categories to find the specific feature you are looking for.

For the most up-to-date information, I recommend checking Microsoft's official documentation or community forums, as changes to the Windows operating system can occur with updates. Always verify information based on the latest documentation provided by Microsoft or through official channels.

Answer 4

Not surprised. With Microsoft, everything's a nightmare. I checked for it everywhere to no avail on my Windows 10 22H2 and no, I am not using that horrid of an OS called W11.