For many Windows users, the latest update from Microsoft brings a mix of anticipation and disappointment. While some users are greeted with a more efficient and streamlined experience, others find themselves left out of the loop.
Hotpatch Update Details
According to Windows Latest, this month’s KB5058497 for Windows 11 24H2 marks the introduction of the first ‘hotpatch’ update. This innovative update allows for installation without requiring a reboot, but it is exclusively available for Windows 11 24H2 Enterprise users. As of now, there is no timeline for when this feature will be extended to Pro and Home users, although it is anticipated to happen eventually.
Microsoft has been transparent about the limitations of this update. They stated, “With hotpatch updates, you can quickly take measures to help protect your organization from cyberattacks, while minimizing user disruptions. Hotpatching represents a significant advancement in our journey to help you, and everyone who uses Windows, stay secure and productive.”
The enhancements highlighted by Microsoft include:
- Immediate protection against threats
- Consistent security updates
- Minimized disruptions, allowing users to continue their work seamlessly while updates are applied
However, this feature is not universally accessible. To utilize hotpatch updates, users must meet several criteria:
- A Microsoft subscription that includes Windows 11 Enterprise E3, E5, or F3, Windows 11 Education A3 or A5, or a Windows 365 Enterprise subscription
- Devices running Windows 11 Enterprise, version 24H2 (Build 26100.2033 or later) with the current baseline update installed
- An x64 CPU, including AMD64 and Intel (note: Arm®64 devices are still in public preview)
- Microsoft Intune to manage the deployment of hotpatch updates with a hotpatch-enabled Windows quality update policy
- Virtualization-based Security (VBS) enabled
Currently, users of Windows 11 24H2 or older versions must reboot their systems to apply new security updates, with the exception of specific patches for Windows Defender. With the introduction of hotpatching, the need for a reboot is eliminated, although there are exceptions to this rule. Notably, every third update will still require a reboot to ensure comprehensive installation.
KB5058497 is scheduled to fall between May and June 2025, during the ‘no restart’ period. In testing, Windows Latest reported that KB5058497 installed seamlessly without prompting for a reboot, demonstrating the efficiency of the hotpatch system.
For users of Windows 11 Home and Pro, the traditional monthly reboot requirement remains in place, leaving them to navigate updates that come with the usual downtime. The absence of information regarding when hotpatch updates might be available for these users adds to the uncertainty.
This month has proven to be eventful for Microsoft, with an emergency update addressing a significant Bitlocker Recovery issue and reports of blue screens of death surfacing. Whether utilizing hotpatching or not, it remains crucial for users to keep their systems updated and reboot when necessary, as the security landscape continues to evolve and present new challenges.
