Microsoft has announced the availability of the Windows Hotpatch feature for users of the Windows 11 operating system version 24H2. Initially reported in early 2024, the feature has now been officially rolled out to a broader group of Windows 11 users.
Windows Hotpatch, which was previously exclusive to server versions of the operating system, allows security updates to be applied directly to memory without requiring a computer reboot. This functionality not only alleviates the inconvenience of frequent update notifications but also provides IT administrators with confidence that all organizational devices are up to date with critical security updates, regardless of user activity.
It is important to note that not all versions of Windows 11 support Windows Hotpatch. Currently, the feature is available only for specific editions of Windows 11 Enterprise 24H2, which include E3, E5, F3, and Windows 11 Education A3 and A5, as well as Windows 365 Enterprise. Unfortunately, Windows 11 Home and Professional editions do not have access to this feature.
To utilize Windows Hotpatch, users must have a computer equipped with an Intel or AMD CPU. Support for ARM-based devices is also planned, but this aspect is still in “public preview,” with Microsoft indicating that Hotpatch support for ARM devices will be extended at a later date.
For those interested in Windows Hotpatch, additional details can be found in Microsoft’s announcement post and accompanying documentation.
For users who are not eligible for the Hotpatch feature, Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) may serve as a beneficial alternative. QMR assists in recovering unbootable computers by applying necessary updates and patches to the Windows Recovery Environment. This feature is currently in public beta and is expected to be made available to all editions of Windows 11, including Home.