How to install ‘Optional Features’ on Windows 11

• To install optional features on Windows 11, open Settings > Apps > Optional features. 
• Click the View features button, search and install the component.
• Alternatively, open Settings > Apps > Optional features > More Windows Features.
• Check the feature and click the Install button.

On Windows 11, “Optional Features” are components that are not essential to operate your computer, but they can add extra functionalities. By default, the system comes with some of these features installed, such as Internet Explorer mode, Notepad, Print Management, Windows Media Player, and others.

However, you can always install more (for example, XPS Viewer, Wireless Display, Microsoft Quick Assist,  Windows Storage Management, etc.) or remove those you don’t need.

If you don’t find the feature you want to install in the Settings app, you can also use the legacy “Windows Features” tool to add different components like Hyper-V, Windows Subsystem for Linux, .NET, and many others.

This guide will show you the steps to install additional features to Windows 11. In addition, you will also find the instructions to uninstall those optional features you don’t need.

• Install Optional Features on Windows 11
• Uninstall Optional Features on Windows 11

Install Optional Features on Windows 11

Windows 11 allows you to install optional features in at least two ways, including the Settings app and Control Panel if you have to add legacy features.

Add optional features

To install optional features on Windows 11, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.

2. Click on Apps.

3. Click the Optional features tab.

4. Click the “View features” button in the “Add an optional feature” setting.

5. Select the optional feature to install on Windows 11 (for example, XPS Viewer).

6. Click the Next button.

7. Click the Install button.

Once you complete the steps, the components will download and install on your computer.

Add legacy optional features

To turn on optional features through the “Windows Features,” use these steps:

1. Open Settings.

2. Click on Apps.

3. Click the Optional features tab.

4. Under the “Related settings” section, click the More Windows features option.

5. Check the feature to add to Windows 11 (for example, Hyper-V, Windows Sandbox, Windows Subsystem for Linux).

6. Click the OK button.

7. Click the Restart now button.

After you complete the steps, the components for the feature will install on the computer.

Uninstall Optional Features on Windows 11

Similar to adding features, you can use the Settings app or Control Panel if you need to uninstall a specific feature.

Remove optional features

To uninstall optional features from your computer, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.

2. Click on Apps.

3. Click the Optional features tab.

4. Under the “Installed features” section, select the optional feature to remove from Windows 11.

5. Click the Uninstall button.

After you complete the steps, the feature will remove from Windows 11.

Remove legacy optional feature 

To turn off optional features through Control Panel, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.

2. Click on Apps.

3. Click the Optional features tab.

4. Under the “Related settings” section, click the More Windows features option.

5. Clear the feature to remove from Windows 11.

6. Click the OK button.

7. Click the Restart now button.

Once you complete the steps, the components for the feature will be removed from the computer.