Microsoft has announced the public preview of Hotpatching for Windows Server 2025, a significant advancement that allows users to install security updates without the need for system restarts. This feature marks a considerable shift in how updates are managed, as it enables the in-memory patching of running processes, reducing downtime and operational disruptions. According to Hari Pulapaka, Director of Product for Windows Server, the introduction of Hotpatching will alleviate the burden of frequent reboots, cutting the number of mandatory reboots from 12 to just four per year. This change promises to streamline the update process, providing a more efficient experience for IT professionals.
One of the key benefits of Hotpatching is its ability to improve security by minimizing the exposure time to potential vulnerabilities. By reducing the frequency of reboots, systems are less susceptible to attacks during the update process. Additionally, Hotpatching aims to decrease resource usage and workload impact, further enhancing the overall efficiency of system maintenance. The feature will particularly benefit organizations that rely heavily on uptime, allowing them to apply critical security updates with minimal interruption.
Hotpatching has been available for Windows Server 2022 Datacenter: Azure Edition since February 2022, setting a precedent for this functionality. As Microsoft prepares for the general availability of Windows Server 2025, the company emphasizes the versatility of Hotpatching, which can be utilized on physical servers, virtual machines, and across various environments, including Hyper-V and VMware. This flexibility is crucial for organizations looking to maintain security while navigating complex IT infrastructures.
To enable Hotpatching on evaluation machines running Windows Server 2025, users must enroll through the built-in Azure Arc agent setup and meet specific prerequisites, including enabling Virtualization Based Security and installing relevant security updates. With these enhancements, Microsoft continues to prioritize security and operational efficiency, positioning Windows Server 2025 as a robust solution for modern IT challenges.
