What and why
The November and December 2026 security updates for Windows Server 2022 will be released as standard updates rather than hotpatch updates. Some of the security improvements in these updates change components that cannot be updated without a restart. As a result, Windows Server 2022 devices enrolled in hotpatching will need to restart to complete installation in each month.
This change does not affect hotpatch updates for Windows Server 2025 or Windows 11, which remain scheduled for November and December.
Rollout schedule
- November 2026: Standard update with restart required for all Windows Server 2022 devices including those that are hotpatch-enabled.
- December 2026: Standard update with restart required for all Windows Server 2022 devices including those that are hotpatch-enabled.
- January 2027: Planned baseline update month with restart required.
- February 2027: Next hotpatch update expected.
Impact on your organization
- Hotpatch-enabled Windows Server 2022 devices will require a restart to complete installation of each month’s security update.
- These devices will remain enrolled in hotpatch updates.
- No change for Windows Server 2022 devices not using hotpatch updates; standard updates already require a restart.
Note: Hotpatch-enabled Windows Server 2025 and Windows 11 devices are not affected by this change.
Action required / recommendations
Plan for device restarts when deploying the November and December 2026 security updates for Windows Server 2022. No additional configuration is required to stay enrolled in hotpatch updates.
Compliance considerations
No additional compliance action is required. Update installation and restart behavior will be reflected in update history and compliance reports as usual.
Additional information