${lead}
${lead}
Operating Windows Server securely without monthly reboots – that’s the promise of hotpatching. The preview of this can now be tested.
(Image: Bild erstellt mit KI in Bing Designer durch heise online / dmk)
Microsoft has introduced hotpatching capabilities for Windows Server 2025, allowing updates to be applied while the server is operational, thus eliminating the need for reboots. This feature is currently available for testing in the public preview version of the server.
In a blog post, Microsoft’s team stated that the new hotpatching is available in both the standard and data center versions of Windows Server 2025. They describe this feature as a “game changer,” which they claim facilitates easier change management, reduces patch implementation times, and simplifies orchestration processes. Microsoft’s statement humorously adds, “And you could finally see your family at weekends.”
The concept of hotpatching, as clarified by Microsoft, involves updates that don’t necessitate rebooting. This is achieved by updating the code of actively running processes in memory without requiring a process restart.
This brings advantages such as less workload due to fewer reboots. Instead of twelve required reboots per year on “patch tuesdays”, scheduled reboots will take place quarterly in future. However, there is the rare possibility that a reboot is required in a nominal hot patch month. Fewer binary files also mean that updates download and install faster and require less memory and processor resources. Orchestration is simplified, as is change control. Hot patching is integrated into the optional Azure Update Manager.
Hotpatching can be activated in Windows Server 2025 Datacenter and the Standard Edition with just a few clicks. Interested parties can roll out the “Hotpatch (preview)” function with the Azure Arc agent, which is integrated in the Windows Server 2025 preview.
Hotpatching has been available in the Windows Server 2022 Datacenter Azure Edition for several years, Microsoft explains. Previously, it was necessary to use Windows Server 2022 Azure Edition and run a virtual machine (VM) in Azure or Azure Stack HCI. As soon as Windows Server 2025 is released, it will allow you to use the server edition you want and also where you want it to run – On-premise in your own data center, in the Azure cloud or elsewhere. Hotpatching is possible on physical servers as well as in the VM, which in turn can run in Hyper-V, VMware or software that supports Microsoft’s Virtualization Based Security.
This is tested and “real” technology. The real change is how and where these security updates come from. Hotpatching will be made available as an option in Azure Arc. Azure Arc is used for administration and allows Windows Server’s internal licensing service to run so that hot patch updates are delivered to customers.
At the end of January, it was already leaked that Microsoft was working on a Windows Server 2025 that would also run on-premise again. However, all signs point in the direction of the cloud. Yesterday, Monday, September 23, it was announced that Microsoft will be retiring WSUS. In the longer term, however, Microsoft clearly wants to replace local installations with the Windows Cloud PC and the server images in Azure.
Don’t miss any news – follow us on
LinkedIn or
This article was originally published in
It was translated with technical assistance and editorially reviewed before publication.
Hudson Valley Host is premier provider of cutting-edge hosting solutions, specializing in delivering a seamless online experience for businesses and individuals. We offer a comprehensive range of hosting services, including Shared Hosting, VPS, Dedicated Servers, and Colocation. With 24/7 technical support, robust security measures, and user-friendly control panels, we empower clients in managing their online presence effortlessly. Hudson Valley Host is your trusted partner in achieving online success.
For Inquiries or to receive a personalized quote, please reach out to us through our contact form here or email us at sales@hudsonvalleyhost.com.
