hotpatch Archives

Winsage

April 14, 2025

No Reboot Security Updates Come To Windows 11 — But There’s A Catch

Microsoft has introduced a "hotpatching" feature for Windows 11 that allows security updates to be installed in the background without requiring a reboot. This feature is currently limited to Windows 11 Enterprise, version 24H2, for x64 devices with AMD or Intel CPUs, and requires Microsoft Intune for deployment. The 0patch micro-patching service offers an alternative for users outside the enterprise, providing fixes directly in memory and free zero-day micro patches.

Winsage

April 4, 2025

Hotpatch Updates Come To Windows, Reducing Downtime

Microsoft has introduced hotpatch updates for Windows 11 Enterprise, version 24H2 for x64 (AMD/Intel) CPU devices, aimed at reducing downtime caused by system updates. Administrators can create a hotpatch-enabled quality update policy within the Windows Autopatch framework via the Microsoft Intune console, allowing eligible devices to automatically enroll in this update cycle. Hotpatch updates enable swift implementation of security measures without disruptive reboots, while devices on Windows 10 and earlier will continue to receive standard monthly security updates. Feedback from users has been positive, with many noting the immediate application of security updates as a significant advantage.

Winsage

April 4, 2025

Windows 11 Enterprise machines can now get updates while you work—no reboot required

Microsoft has introduced a hotpatch update system for Windows 11 Enterprise builds, specifically for version 24H2, which allows updates to be applied without requiring a system restart. This feature is beneficial for corporate environments, as it helps maintain productivity and reduces CPU usage during updates. While quarterly updates will still necessitate a reboot, the hotpatching system represents a shift from the previous monthly reboot requirements. To enable hotpatching, organizations must meet specific requirements: a subscription to Windows 365 Enterprise or Windows 11 Enterprise (E3, E5, or F3), a client running Windows 11 Enterprise 24H2 (build 26100.2033 or higher), activation of Visualization-based Security (VBS), and an AMD or Intel x64 processor. For Arm64 devices, the hotpatch system is in public preview and requires a registry key modification. Hotpatch updates will follow the standard update schedule applicable to both Windows 10 and Windows 11 23H2 devices, with each release assigned a distinct KB number. This feature is only available for Windows 11 Enterprise clients and does not extend to Windows 11 Home or Pro machines.

Winsage

April 3, 2025

Microsoft adds hotpatching support for Windows 11 enterprise users as it looks to end unnecessary downtime for work devices

Microsoft has introduced hotpatch updates for Windows 11 Enterprise version 24H2, allowing compatible business devices to install OS security patches without requiring a restart. This feature minimizes downtime and user disruption while maintaining security. Hotpatch updates take effect immediately and provide the same level of security as traditional Patch Tuesday releases. Companies must establish a hotpatch-enabled quality update policy through Microsoft Intune to implement this feature. Devices will still require a reboot for security updates installed quarterly, but updates can occur without a restart during the other months. Arm64 devices are currently in public preview, with general availability for hotpatching set for April 2, 2025.

Winsage

April 2, 2025

Microsoft adds hotpatching support to Windows 11 Enterprise

Microsoft has made hotpatch updates available for business customers using Windows 11 Enterprise 24H2 on x64 systems, allowing seamless installation of security updates without device reboots. Hotpatching modifies in-memory code of active processes to deploy updates without interrupting user activities. Devices under a hotpatch-enabled quality update policy will receive updates quarterly, with no restarts required for eight months of the year. A Microsoft subscription is necessary to activate hotpatching, and devices must meet specific prerequisites, including an x64 CPU and enabled Virtualization-based Security. Hotpatch updates can be managed through Microsoft Intune, and devices on Windows 10 and versions 23H2 and lower will continue to receive standard updates. Microsoft initially introduced hotpatch support for Windows Server Azure Edition in February 2022 and has expanded testing to include Windows 11 24H2.

Winsage

November 27, 2024

Microsoft aims for better Windows security

Microsoft has reiterated its commitment to security as its "top priority" and revisited its Secure Future Initiative (SFI) to enhance Windows system security. The company introduced the "Windows Resiliency Initiative" to address vulnerabilities exposed during a significant incident in July, focusing on enabling applications and users to operate without administrative privileges, instituting stricter controls over applications and drivers, and enhancing identity protection against phishing. Microsoft has allocated 34,000 full-time engineers to the SFI. A new feature called Quick Machine Recovery will assist administrators in recovering machines that fail to boot and is expected to be available to Windows Insiders in early 2025. Microsoft aims to prevent critical failures by allowing vendors to operate in user mode instead of kernel mode and has introduced Safe Deployment Practices for gradual security updates. A private preview of new capabilities will be offered in July 2025, while current preview features include Administrator Protection and Hotpatch, which allows critical updates without system restarts.

Winsage

November 21, 2024

An end to rebooting? Microsoft’s latest change means you won’t need to restart your work laptop for every Windows update any more

Microsoft is rolling out hotpatching capabilities to Windows 11 Enterprise and Microsoft 365 users, allowing for rebootless updates. This feature enables users to download and install security updates without interrupting their work. Hotpatch updates activate immediately upon installation, reducing system downtime and improving efficiency by updating in-memory code without needing additional binaries. This process enhances security by allowing quicker installations and minimizing vulnerability time. Hotpatching has been available for Windows Server 2022 Datacenter: Azure Edition since February 2022, but there are no plans to extend this feature to Windows 11 Home and Pro editions at this time.

Winsage

November 21, 2024

Microsoft Ramps Up Automation in the Workplace With ‘Copilot Actions’

Microsoft is introducing new AI features in Microsoft 365, including "Copilot Actions," which allows users to create automated workflows for tasks like meeting summaries and team newsletters. This integration aims to make AI more accessible for enterprises, enabling employees to streamline their tasks independently. Major companies like Meta, OpenAI, and Google are also advancing in AI agent technology, with OpenAI developing an autonomous agent called "Operator" set for release in early 2025. Microsoft announced additional updates, including new features for Windows 11, AI-powered tools in Microsoft Teams, security enhancements, and a new platform for managing AI tools.

Winsage

November 20, 2024

Rebootless updates come to Windows 11 Enterprise and 365 for security updates — Microsoft releases hotpatching for Windows 11 Enterprise 24H2 and Windows 365 Preview Editions

Microsoft has begun rolling out a hot patch update for security enhancements in Windows 11 Enterprise 24H2 and Microsoft 365 Preview Builds. This update allows users to download and install security patches via Windows Updates without needing to reboot their devices. Hotpatch updates provide a complete set of OS security patches but do not include additional features. They enable immediate activation of patches upon installation, improving security protection speed. However, hotpatching is limited to security patches, and Cumulative Updates will still require a system restart. Hotpatching does not apply to non-security updates for Windows Server 2022 and 2025. Windows 11 Enterprise editions are part of the Windows Enterprise subscription, which requires a Windows 11 Pro license for full feature access. There is speculation about hotpatching for Windows Home and Pro editions, but it is particularly beneficial for complex deployments in business environments.

Winsage

November 20, 2024

Windows security and resiliency: Protecting your business

Microsoft prioritizes security and is set to unveil new security advancements during Ignite 2024, including insights from a July incident and investments to enhance security measures. The Secure Future Initiative (SFI) has dedicated the equivalent of 34,000 full-time engineers to address security challenges. The upcoming November update will provide insights and actionable learnings for customers. The Windows Resiliency Initiative focuses on improving reliability, enabling more applications to run without admin privileges, implementing stronger controls over applications and drivers, and enhancing identity protection against phishing attacks. Quick Machine Recovery will allow IT administrators to execute fixes remotely, available to the Windows Insider Program in early 2025. Microsoft is evolving partnerships with endpoint security providers through the Microsoft Virus Initiative (MVI) and is developing new capabilities for security product developers. A private preview for these capabilities will be available in July 2025, and Microsoft is transitioning to safer programming languages. Windows 11 is designed to be more secure than Windows 10, requiring a hardware-backed security baseline for new PCs. Features like Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security and the Microsoft Pluton security processor enhance security. Windows 11 has led to a reported 62% reduction in security incidents and a threefold decrease in firmware attacks. New features in Windows 11 address challenges such as overprivileged users, unverified apps, and insecure credentials. Administrator protection allows users to make system changes securely without persistent admin privileges. Multifactor Authentication (MFA) is emphasized, with Windows Hello serving as the built-in MFA solution. Smart App Control and App Control for Business policies ensure that only verified applications can run, while Windows Protected Print integrates with Mopria-certified devices to enhance security. Personal Data Encryption safeguards files in known folders, and Hotpatch allows critical security updates without system restarts. Zero Trust DNS restricts devices to approved domains, and Config Refresh helps maintain preferred configurations. Microsoft emphasizes collaboration with OEMs and app developers to ensure Windows is secure by design and default.