Each time Microsoft releases a new Windows 10 feature update, the organization utilizes a gradual rollout to make sure that any major bugs which are discovered don't impact a significant number of devices.

At these times, Microsoft puts an upgrade block in place, technically preventing the systems that could be impacted by the found issue from getting the new feature update on Windows Update.

While it is possible to bypass this block and install Windows 10 feature updates anyway, Microsoft has reportedly released a new group policy that enables IT pros to help make the whole process a bit more straightforward.

Quite simply, IT pros is going to be permitted to bypass safeguard holds on their own devices simply by enabling this group policy, which is avaialble today on Windows 10 version 1809 and newer. The only requirement is perfect for these systems to run the October 2020 security update.

New policy available today

"IT admins can, if required, opt devices from safeguard protections by using the disable safeguards policy. In a Mobile phone Management (MDM) tool, make use of the Update/DisableWUfBSafeguards CSP. In Group Policy, make use of the Disable safeguards for Feature Updates Group Policy. This insurance policy can be obtained to Windows Update for Business devices running Windows 10, version 1809 or later which have installed the October 2020 security update," Microsoft explains.

"We recommend opting out only within an IT environment and for validation purposes. You may also validate a future Windows 10 feature update version with no safeguards being applied by while using Release Preview channel from the Windows Insider Program for Business."

Needless to say, IT admins doing this ought to keep in mind that bypassing an upgrade block could lead to other issues on their own devices, and this is the reason Microsoft blocks them from obtaining the update to begin with.