Windows Server 2025 Standard and Datacenter edition server hotpatching - security updates without reboots - is ready for your evaluation in preview. This feature will be a game changer; simpler change control, shorter patch windows, easier orchestration
Hotpatches are OS security updates that don’t require a reboot. It works by patching the in-memory code of running processes without the need to restart the process. This gives you benefits like:
Lower workload impact with fewer reboots. Instead of 12 mandatory reboots a year you’ll now only have quarterly scheduled reboots (with the rare possibility of reboots being required in a nominal Hotpatch month).
Fewer binaries mean updates download and install faster while consuming fewer disk and CPU resources.
Easier patch orchestration and change control.
Integrated with the optional Azure Update Manager.
*Hotpatching for on-premises and multicloud Windows Server VMs is in preview, and will be no additional charge while in preview. It will require an Azure Arc connection and, once GA, will be offered by subscription. Hotpatching in Windows Server Datacenter: Azure Edition continues to be free of charge.