Since September 2024, Microsoft has allowed interested administrators to trial hot patching for Windows Server 2025 at no cost. This feature enables security updates to be applied without requiring a server restart, thereby reducing downtime and enhancing operational security. However, Microsoft has now announced that this feature will become a paid service starting July 1, 2025.
In a recent blog post, Microsoft confirmed the conclusion of the test phase and the end of the free preview. The newly implemented monthly subscription model will charge $1.50 per CPU core. Microsoft has stated that the billing will remain consistent each month, which provides stability in costs during both active hot patching and off months.
Microsoft is encouraging administrators to test hot patching while it remains free. Although the process will still necessitate approximately four restarts annually, it can significantly alleviate the burdens associated with the traditional Patch Tuesday. A similar function has been operational in the Azure edition of Windows server for years; the Xbox team, for example, has utilized it to streamline their update process from weeks to just a few days.
To utilize hot patching outside of Azure, servers must be running Windows Server 2025 Standard or Data Center and must also be connected to Azure Arc while subscribed to the hot patching service. Current participants in the trial will need to remove the feature by June 30, 2025, if they do not wish to continue with the paid subscription.
Hot patching has also recently been made available for Windows 11 desktop clients, requiring subscriptions under certain service levels.
For more information, visit Microsoft’s official communications or learn about Windows Server 2025.
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