What is Windows 10 Features on Demand & how do I install FOD?

In this post, we will discuss what are Features on demand Windows 10 and why some users (especially Windows 10 systems managed through WSUS) might not be able to download and install FOD (Features on Demand).

What is Windows 10 Features on Demand?

The on-demand features of Windows 10 are additional options available through Windows Update. This download allows organizations to pre-configure the Windows 10 installation software with these features prior to deployment. This download can also be used to install features from a local media.

On-demand features (FOD) are packages of Windows features that can be added at any time. Common features include language resources such as handwriting recognition or other features such as .NET Framework (.NetFx3). When Windows 10 or Windows Server needs a new feature, it can request the feature package from Windows Update.

Unlike previous Feature Packs, Features on Demand v2 can apply to multiple versions of Windows and can be added using DISM without knowing the version number. Always use features on demand corresponding to the operating system architecture. Adding features to the application of the wrong architecture may not generate an error immediately, but cause functionality problems in the operating system.

Windows offers two types of on-demand features:

1. FODs without satellite packages: FOD with all language resources packaged in the same package. These FODs are distributed as a single .cab file and can be added using DISM / Add-Capability or / Add-Package.
2. FODs with satellite packetsNote: When you install this type of FOD, only the packages that apply to the Windows image are installed, which reduces disk clutter. These FOD files are distributed as a set of multiple .cab files, but are installed by specifying a single / feature name. They can only be added using DISM / Add-Capability (and not / Add-Package).

On-demand Windows features not installed

Starting with Windows 10 version 1809, Feature On Demand (FOD) modules and language packs can only be installed from Windows Update and not through WSUS.

If you can not install Windows 10 Features On Demand, you must configure Group Policy to access Windows Update directly to download and install FOD.

Press the Windows key + R, type gpedit.mscpress Enter to launch the Group Policy Editor.

Move towards The configuration of a computer > Administrative templates > System.

Scroll down in the right pane, locate and double-click Specify optional installation parameters for components and component repair.

This policy setting specifies the network locations that will be used to repair operating system corruption and to enable the optional features for which the payload files have been deleted.

If you enable this policy setting and specify the new location, the files in this location will be used to repair operating system corruption and to enable the optional features whose payload files have been removed. You must enter the full path of the new location in the "Other path of the source file" text box. Multiple locations can be specified when each path is separated by a semicolon.

The network location can be a folder or a WIM file. If there is a WIM file, you must specify the location by prefixing the path with "wim:" and including the index of the image at use in the WIM file. For example "wim: server share install.wim: 3".

If you disable or do not configure this policy setting or if the required files can not be found at the locations specified in this policy setting, the files will be downloaded from Windows Update if the computer's policy settings l & #39; permit.

Click the radio button for enabled

Define also the following elements:

• Other path of the source file:
• Never attempt to download content from Windows Update: shoot
• Download the repair content and optional features directly from Windows Update instead of Windows Server Update Services (WSUS): Check

Click on Apply > D & #39; AGREEMENT.

Windows 10 v1809 and later, PC users should now be able to download and install Features on Demand.