Windows updates have long been synonymous with the inconvenience of mandatory restarts, a reality that many users have come to accept with a sigh. However, a promising shift may be on the horizon for those utilizing Windows 11 24H2, as Microsoft explores the implementation of hot-patching, a method designed to streamline the update process without necessitating a reboot.
Understanding Hot-Patching
The concept of hot-patching, first highlighted by PhantomOcean 3 on X (formerly Twitter), was briefly mentioned on a Microsoft support page before its removal. This innovative approach is expected to apply primarily to x86 versions of Windows, leaving Arm users momentarily in the lurch. Notably, this new method will be limited to Windows’ monthly security updates, meaning that while users may enjoy fewer reboots, a restart will still be required after every two hot-patch updates due to the release of four baseline updates that necessitate a reboot.
Benefits of the New Update Method
The advantages of hot-patching are compelling:
- Reduced Disruption: Users can install security updates without the need to reboot, minimizing interruptions to their workflow.
- Efficiency: The update process will be faster and will consume fewer disk and CPU resources.
- Enhanced Security: Hot-patch updates are specifically scoped to Windows security updates, allowing for quicker installations without restarts, thereby reducing exposure to potential threats.
- Simplified Management: The orchestration of patches will be more straightforward with Azure Update Manager.
Microsoft’s history with hot-patching is well-established, as the company has successfully utilized this technique on its Windows servers and Xbox consoles. As anticipation builds for the broader rollout of the 24H2 build, users can look forward to a more seamless update experience that not only diminishes disruptions but also bolsters security by cutting down on the frequency of required reboots. For those still navigating the waters of Windows 10, this development presents yet another compelling incentive to consider an upgrade to Windows 11.
While no official timeline has been announced for the widespread availability of this build, the hope remains that it will arrive sooner rather than later, ushering in a new era of convenience for Windows users.