With the introduction of Hotpatch for Windows 11 Enterprise (version 24H2) and Windows 365 Enterprise, Microsoft has presented a revolutionary feature: updates without a restart. Hot patching allows companies to keep their operating systems up to date without interrupting the user's work.
In the past, updates that require a restart have significantly affected workflows and productivity, particularly in environments where continuous availability is critical. And even every simple end user will have been upset about a forced restart of their device.
We've already successfully introduced Windows Hotpatching to our Managed Services customers, who are excited about reducing downtime and being easy to implement. We are also happy to help you use this technology in your company.
The most important things in brief
- Updates without rebooting: Windows Hotpatching revolutionizes OS update management by applying safety-critical updates directly—without downtime or restarts.
- Seamless user experience: No interruptions or notifications for users.
- Maximum safety: Security gaps are closed immediately, ideal for compliance requirements.
- Establishment: Hotpatch policies can be configured centrally via Microsoft Intune.
Hotpatch sounds cool, but do you need holistic patch management for OS and 3rd party applications? We'll help you out!
1. What is Windows Hot Patch?
Definition and operation
Windows Hot Patch makes it possible to apply safety-critical OS updates and bug fixes without the need to restart the system. This innovative approach is fundamentally different from traditional updates, which require a system restart to make changes effective.
Technically speaking, hotpatching works by applying updates specifically to individual processes and files that can be exchanged or adjusted in real time. At the same time, the operating system remains stable and functional, which is particularly beneficial for corporate environments where downtime is costly.
To effectively implement hotpatching, Microsoft follows a fixed update cycle: In the first month of every quarter (January, April, July, and October), a cumulative update is installed that includes the latest security fixes, new features, and general improvements. This update requires a restart. In the following two months, the devices will receive hot patch updates that contain only security-critical content and are installed without rebooting. At the beginning of the next quarter, this cycle is repeated.
Devices stay secure and productive, and you reduce the number of required restarts for Windows updates from twelve to just four thanks to eight planned hotpatch updates each year!
David Callaghan - Microsoft
This structured approach ensures maximum security and productivity while minimizing disruption. Hotpatching thus not only reduces the number of restarts, but also significantly optimizes the efficiency of IT processes.
Differences from traditional updates
- No system restart: Hotpatching only updates relevant parts of the operating system.
- Minimized disruptions: Users and services continue to work without restrictions during updates.
- Automated application: Hot patching is seamless and reduces administrative burdens for IT teams.
This feature is currently available for Windows 11 Enterprise and Windows Server 2025 available and is constantly being expanded to cover more systems and scenarios.
Baseline releases and the release lifecycle
Windows Hot Patch reduces the need for restarts for security updates, but it doesn't completely replace traditional maintenance cycles. Quarterly baseline releases persist and are necessary to apply cumulative changes. These major updates include fixes that cannot be delivered via hotpatching, and require a restart.
The hotpatch lifecycle follows the quarterly Windows update model:
- Between baseline releases Hot patch updates are applied that do not require restarts.
- With every new baseline release A new hotpatch cycle starts, replacing the previous baseline update with the latest one.
If a device does not support hot patching or does not meet the required requirements, Does it automatically receive the Latest Cumulative Update (LCU), which includes both safety-related and functional updates. However, LCUs always require a restart.
2. The technical principles
How does hotpatching work on Windows?
Hotpatching uses technology that makes it possible to load and execute security updates directly into operating system memory without affecting ongoing processes. Only the affected code is replaced, while the rest of the system continues to run unchanged. This method minimizes operational disruptions and at the same time offers a high level of safety.
The most important steps in the hotpatch process
- Identification of weak points: Microsoft identifies security-critical areas in code that need to be patched.
- Create the hot patch: The patch is developed so that it can be applied directly to the affected modules without affecting dependencies.
- Live integration: The hotpatch is installed in the background while the system remains active.
- Continuous review: After installation, the operating system automatically checks stability and functionality.
Requirements for use
In order to use hot patching, certain conditions must be met, as this technology is only available for select Windows versions and scenarios:
Supported Windows versions:
- Windows 11 Enterprise (from version 24H2)
- Windows Server 2025 (currently in public preview)
Hardware requirements:
- Compatible CPUs with security features, such as Intel VT-d or AMD-V.
- Enough memory to process patches in parallel.
Software requirements:
- use of Microsoft Intune or a comparable management solution to control updates.
- Azure or locally hosted environments that provide hot patch support.
The technology is currently being gradually expanded to support more devices and platforms, particularly in hybrid cloud environments.
3. Benefits of Hot Patching
The introduction of Windows Hot Patch brings a variety of benefits that are critical for both IT administrators and companies. By eliminating restarts during the update process, productivity and security are raised to a new level.
With these benefits, Windows Hot Patch is becoming a key technology, particularly for companies that depend on continuous availability and the highest security standards.
4. Applications
Windows 11 Enterprise and Windows 365
The hotpatch feature is specific to Windows 11 Enterprise and Windows 365 voted. Both platforms benefit from the ability to carry out updates without interruption:
- Windows 11 Enterprise: IT teams can apply updates without disrupting the flow of work. Hotpatching is particularly useful for high-availability endpoints such as cash registers, flight terminals, industrial PCs or digital mailboxes, as it prevents downtime.
- Windows 365: Thanks to hotpatching, virtual desktops remain operational without downtime, which is particularly essential for teams working remotely.
Azure environments and Windows Server 2025
For companies running on Azure or Azure Stack HCI set, as well as for Windows Server 2025, hotpatching provides seamless integration into cloud and server-based environments.
- Automatic updates for Azure VMs: Security patches are applied directly in the cloud without restarts, protecting critical workloads
- Windows Server 2025: Hotpatching enables continuous uptime, particularly for server environments where high availability is a priority.
This approach makes hotpatching the ideal solution for hybrid IT infrastructures in which both cloud and local systems must be efficiently maintained.
5. Activation and configuration
Set up Windows Hot Patching in Microsoft Intune
Configuring Windows Hotpatching can be easily done via Microsoft Intune be carried out. The following steps show you how to enable and implement the hotpatch feature:
1. Create a Windows quality update policy
In Microsoft Intune, navigate to: Windows | Windows Updates | Quality Updates, and click +Create. Select the option Windows Quality Update Policy (Preview) off to create a new policy.
Give the policy a name and a brief description. Ride with me afterwards Next continue.
2. Configure settings
Under Settings Can you configure the Windows quality update policy for automatic updates. Activate the option here: Apply without restarting the device (“hotpatch”)to ensure that patches are applied without rebooting.
3. Check registry keys and advanced settings
The new hotpatch settings can also be checked via the Windows registry. To do this, navigate to:
In addition, the settings in Windows can be viewed using the advanced Windows update options. Navigate to: Settings | Windows Updates | Advanced Options | Configured Update Policies to verify that the hotpatch feature is enabled.
Using the hot patch feature
Activated without hotpatch
If hotpatching is disabled, updates require you to restart the system. Users see a notification that prompts them to install the update and restart.
With hotpatch enabled
When hotpatching is enabled, updates are installed seamlessly in the background — without notification and without restarting. This provides a seamless user experience and avoids work disruptions.
Best Practices
- Pre-launch testing: First, implement hot patching in a test environment.
- Enable monitoring: Use monitoring tools such as Microsoft Intune, Windows Admin Center (WAC), Microsoft Endpoint Manager (MEM), Azure Monitor, or the Event Viewer to control the update process.
- Communication: Inform employees about possible short-term performance changes during patches.
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6. Conclusion
Windows Hot Patch revolutionizes the management of operating system updates by eliminating the need for reboots and rolling out security updates seamlessly in the background. Companies benefit from increased productivity, less downtime and a significant increase in safety. Hotpatching is becoming an indispensable tool, particularly in environments with high availability requirements.
Would you like to introduce Windows Hotpatching in your company? We are happy to advise you — whether as part of our managed services or through targeted support. Contact us hereto find out more!
Dorian has been involved in corporate and IT strategy since 2011. Due to the endpoint security deficiencies of many companies and the information overload, he developed the endpoint strategy. Dorian is co-founder of the “Endpoint Management” expert group at IAMCP e.V.
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