Introduction

In April 2025, Microsoft introduced a groundbreaking feature for Windows 11 Enterprise and Education editions: hotpatching. This innovation allows organizations to apply security updates without the need for system reboots, significantly reducing downtime and enhancing security posture.

Understanding Hotpatching

Hotpatching enables the application of security patches directly to the in-memory code of running processes. Unlike traditional updates that require a system restart to take effect, hotpatches are applied immediately, ensuring continuous protection without disrupting user activities.

Benefits of Hotpatching

  • Immediate Protection: Security updates take effect instantly upon installation, minimizing the window of vulnerability.
  • Reduced Downtime: By eliminating the need for frequent reboots, organizations can maintain higher system availability and user productivity.
  • Consistent Security: Devices receive the same level of security patching as with standard monthly updates, ensuring comprehensive protection.

Implementation Details

Hotpatching operates on a quarterly cycle:

  1. Cumulative Baseline Month: In January, April, July, and October, devices install a comprehensive security update that includes the latest fixes and features, requiring a restart.
  2. Subsequent Two Months: In the following two months, devices receive hotpatch updates containing only security fixes, which do not require a restart.

This cycle reduces the number of required restarts from twelve to four per year, enhancing system uptime.

Prerequisites for Hotpatching

To utilize hotpatching, organizations need:

  • 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 (AMD64 or Intel).
  • Virtualization-based Security (VBS) enabled.
  • Microsoft Intune for managing deployment of hotpatch updates.

For Arm64 devices, hotpatch updates are in public preview. An additional step involves setting a registry key to disable CHPE support:

  • Path: INLINECODE0
  • DWORD Key value: INLINECODE1

A device restart is required to enforce this setting.

Deployment via Microsoft Intune

Administrators can enable hotpatching through Microsoft Intune:

  1. Navigate to Devices > Windows updates > Create Windows quality update policy.
  2. Toggle the policy to Allow.

Intune will auto-detect eligible devices and deploy hotpatch updates accordingly.

Implications for IT Administration

Hotpatching offers several advantages for IT administrators:

  • Simplified Update Management: Reduces the complexity of scheduling and coordinating system reboots.
  • Enhanced System Reliability: Minimizes disruptions, leading to improved user satisfaction and productivity.
  • Optimized Security Posture: Ensures timely application of critical security updates, reducing exposure to threats.

Conclusion

The introduction of hotpatching in Windows 11 24H2 marks a significant advancement in update management, balancing robust security with operational efficiency. Organizations are encouraged to adopt this feature to enhance their security posture while minimizing downtime.