---
title: "Kubernetes Feature Gates | Hostman Docs"
description: "Learn how Kubernetes feature gates work, including Alpha and Beta feature stages, stability considerations, upgrade behavior, and step-by-step instructions to enable, disable, or restore default feature settings."
---

> For the complete documentation index for AI agents, see [llms.txt](https://hostman.com/llms.txt).

Feature gates allow you to enable or disable experimental Kubernetes functionality.

Features are available in different stages of maturity: **Alpha** and **Beta**. These stages indicate the level of stability and readiness for production use.

#### Alpha features

-   Disabled by default
-   May be unstable and contain bugs
-   Can be removed without notice
-   APIs may change unpredictably in future releases
-   Intended for testing purposes only

#### Beta features

-   Can be enabled by default
-   Considered relatively stable and well-tested
-   Will not be removed, but may still change
-   Backward-incompatible API changes are possible
-   Updating Kubernetes may require modifying or recreating resources
-   Recommended only for clusters running non-critical workloads

Cluster reliability is guaranteed only when default settings are used. Some feature gates are enabled by default.

When upgrading Kubernetes, feature gate settings are automatically reset to their default values, as some features may change or become unavailable in the new version.

The list of available features depends on the Kubernetes version. For a complete list and their statuses, refer to the [official Kubernetes documentation](https://kubernetes.io/docs/reference/command-line-tools-reference/feature-gates/#feature-gates-for-alpha-or-beta-features).

## Enable or Disable Feature Gates

To enable or disable a feature:

1.  Go to the **Kubernetes** section and click on the cluster.
2.  Open the **Management** tab.
3.  Click **Configure** next to **Early access to features**.

![Early Access to Features](https://content.hostman.com/assets/d27d6aa9-2e01-439e-8aff-a6b5f7b2c304.png?width=1558&height=956)

4.  Enable or disable the required features.
5.  Click **Save**.
6.  Confirm the action.

![Early Access to Features](https://content.hostman.com/assets/3893818e-984d-4a99-a5ca-7545184e5061.png?width=1562&height=1022)

## Restore Default Settings

You can restore the default settings at any time, for example, to remove the impact of experimental features on the cluster.

1.  Go to the **Kubernetes** section and click on the cluster.
2.  Open the **Management** tab.
3.  Click **Configure** next to **Early access to features**.
4.  Click **Restore defaults settings**.

The settings will be reverted immediately, without additional confirmation.

![Early Access to Features](https://content.hostman.com/assets/541e1813-b083-4343-8afc-4a1d5990b1e2.png?width=1562&height=1022)