Microsoft is set to introduce hot patching for Windows Server, a feature that enables the installation of security updates without the need for a system reboot. This functionality, previously available through Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform, is now being extended to non-cloud versions of Windows Server, although it will come at a cost of $1.50 per CPU core.
Hot patching operates by modifying the code of active processes directly in memory, thereby eliminating the requirement to restart them. Initially launched in preview during 2024, the feature is poised to be fully available starting July 1, 2025. Despite its utility in facilitating quicker updates, organizations will still need to reboot their systems four times a year to apply comprehensive baseline operating system updates.
Historically, hot patching has been part of the Windows Server Datacenter edition, and Microsoft has highlighted its effective use by the Xbox team, which managed to significantly reduce maintenance windows. While hot patching offers faster and smaller update packages, it targets enterprise customers with a paid subscription model.
Though hot patching is a significant advancement, it is not the sole method to keep Windows systems up-to-date without reboots. Microsoft has mentioned that certain changes, such as non-security fixes and updates to drivers or firmware, can also be applied without system restarts, thus decreasing downtime for users even without the hot patching subscription.
In the realm of in-memory patching, Microsoft is not alone. Initiatives like 0patch have long provided micropatching services for users on older versions of Windows, allowing continued protection against modern threats beyond the official support lifecycle. However, an official solution from Microsoft is likely to offer enhanced management features, making it appealing to businesses utilizing Microsoft technologies.
For more details on hot patching, you can visit the Microsoft documentation related to the feature.
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