In a noteworthy development during Ignite 2024, Microsoft unveiled its inaugural hotpatch update for Windows 11 24H2 LTSC Enterprise, designated as Build 26100.2240 under KB5046696. This update, currently in preview, signifies a pivotal step in the evolution of Windows update management.
Improvements and Fixes
The changelog for this update highlights several enhancements aimed at bolstering system security and functionality:
Improvements and fixes
This security update includes quality improvements. Below is a summary of the key issues that this update addresses when you install this KB. If there are new features, it lists them as well. The bold text within the brackets indicates the item or area of the change we are documenting.
- This update makes miscellaneous security improvements to internal OS functionality. No additional issues were documented for this release.
Hotpatching, as the term implies, allows for updates to be applied without necessitating a system reboot or user intervention, ensuring immediate implementation. Microsoft emphasizes that this method does not compromise security levels, as updates will be installed automatically through Windows Update. The company elaborates:
Hotpatch technology already has a proven, two-year record for Windows Server. Expanding hotpatching to Windows 11 Enterprise, version 24H2 client devices offers numerous benefits:
- Devices receive the same level of security patching as the standard monthly security updates released on Patch Tuesday.
- Hotpatch updates take effect immediately and don’t require user attention.
- Users maintain productivity and security without the need for a device restart.
This update is part of a broader strategy to enhance the update experience on Windows 11 24H2 and Server 2025. Earlier this year, Microsoft introduced checkpoint cumulative updates, designed to minimize update sizes, thereby reducing the necessary download bandwidth and storage footprint. This initiative reflects the company’s commitment to optimizing user experience while maintaining robust security protocols.
