Enhanced Functionality for Server Editions
Both the Standard and Datacenter editions of Windows Server 2025 will benefit from this hotpatching capability, a feature previously exclusive to the Datacenter: Azure Edition of Windows Server 2022. The previous requirement for an Azure virtual machine or Azure Stack HCI has been lifted, allowing broader access through the integration of Azure Arc. Microsoft emphasizes the simplicity of the setup process:
This advancement means that crucial security updates can now be applied without necessitating the traditional reboot, a process that often disrupts operations. Microsoft has outlined several key benefits of this new feature:
- Reduced workload impact: Instead of the usual 12 mandatory reboots each year during “Patch Tuesday,” administrators can expect only quarterly scheduled reboots, with minimal chances of additional reboots during a nominal Hotpatch month.
- Faster updates: With fewer binaries involved, updates will download and install more quickly, utilizing less disk space and CPU resources.
- Simplified patch orchestration: The process of managing updates and changes becomes more straightforward.
- Integration with Azure Update Manager: This optional tool enhances the overall update management experience.
Moreover, Microsoft has ensured that hotpatching can be implemented on both physical servers and virtual machines. For those operating in virtual environments, Windows Server 2025 VMs will retain the hotpatch functionality whether they are running on Hyper-V, VMware, or any system adhering to the company’s Virtualization Based Security standard.
