Hotpatching for Windows Server 2025 will officially launch as a subscription service on July 1, 2025, after being available in preview since 2024. This new feature, part of Windows Server 2025, introduces hybrid and multicloud capabilities that align with Azure’s adaptive cloud philosophy. Hotpatching enables updates to be applied to Windows Server machines without needing to restart, a significant improvement for on-premises and non-Azure environments via Azure Arc.
These updates can be installed directly, modifying the in-memory code of current processes. By using hotpatching, users can enjoy several advantages:
- Increased Availability: Reduces the number of required reboots.
- Faster Updates: Updates are smaller and install more quickly with the help of Azure Update Manager.
- Decreased Vulnerability Window: Updates can be applied without waiting for a scheduled reboot, mitigating risks associated with delays.
During the preview, users can access hotpatching at no cost, but when the subscription service begins in July, it will be priced at $1.50 USD per CPU core per month. Users will still need to perform baseline updates about four times a year, which will require restarts, but hotpatching is expected to simplify the update process significantly.
To utilize hotpatching outside of Azure, users must ensure they are running Windows Server 2025 Standard or Datacenter, connected to Azure Arc, and have subscribed to the hotpatch service. For those currently testing the preview, it’s crucial to disenroll by June 30 if they do not wish to continue with the service, as subscriptions will automatically activate thereafter.
Enabling hotpatching involves connecting to Azure Arc and managing settings through the Azure Portal. The service will offer up to eight hotpatches yearly, adhering to a schedule where baseline updates demand reboots every third month.
For further details or to explore the capabilities of hotpatching, users can refer to the relevant documentation and check the Tech Community blog for updates and insights.
This new feature aims to enhance troubleshooting, reduce downtime, and streamline the overall update experience for Windows Server users.