Is it possible to download new features for Windows 11 without updating the operating system?

The first version of the Online Service Experience Packs is now rolling out to users participating in the Windows Insider program of the Windows 11 Dev channel.

If you're participating in the Windows 11 Dev channel beta, you can install the Online Service Experience Packs by checking and installing the 'Online Service Experience Pack – Windows.Settings.Account' update.

According to Microsoft, this update will only make changes in the "Microsoft Account" page inside the Settings app. The Microsoft Account page started appearing on Windows 11 Dev versions from build 22489.

The benefits of Online Service Experience Packs:

Compared to having to update the operating system to install new features, Online Service Experience Packs have the following advantages:

1. Can install new feature you like quickly
2. You can install each feature, if you don't like it, you can skip it
3. Avoid problems when installing new features by updating the operating system

However, Online Service Experience Packs will be for specific experiences only. For example, you can install improvements to the drive management page, Windows update page, and other areas of the Settings app on Windows 11 through Online Service Experience Packs.

Other improvements such as improved File Explorer, Start Menu and Taskbar will have to be made available through the Windows Feature Experience Pack and Windows feature updates.

Most likely, the method of installing new features via Online Service Experience Packs will only be available on Windows 11.

Lesley Montoya

Update 01 November 2021