Microsoft says Windows 11 24H2's first hotpatch update is coming soon

Microsoft is bringing hotpatch to Windows 11 24H2, allowing security updates to be applied without requiring a reboot. It’s coming next week with Patch Tuesday.

The first hotpatch for Windows 11 24H2 is coming next week

The first hotptach for Windows 11 24H2 will deliver security improvements without requiring a system restart, ensuring users experience minimal hassle. Microsoft has been using this approach Windows Server and is extending to Windows 11 Enterprise clients.  

Hotpatching works by patching in-memory code of running processes, eliminating the need for reboots.  Microsoft plans a quarterly cycle: a full cumulative update with a reboot at the start of each quarter, followed by two months of hotpatches that apply immediately without restarts.  

To use hotpatching, organizations need devices running Windows 11 Enterprise 24H2 (Build 26100.2033 or later). It should be managed via Microsoft Intune, and licensed under Windows Enterprise E3/E5 or Windows 365 Enterprise. A new Windows quality update policy in Microsoft Intune will handle the roll out.  

Take a look at everything related to hotpatch updates

Microsoft has a complete list of things that will help you get started with hotpatch updates.

• Official announcement: Hotpatch for Windows client now available  
• Technical documentation, including prerequisites, enrollment instructions, and troubleshooting: Hotpatch updates 
• Windows 11, version 24H2 Enterprise hotpatch calendar: Windows 11 hotpatch calendar
• Monthly update contents: Release notes for hotpatch public preview on Windows 11, version 24H2 Enterprise clients  
• User readiness information to share with people at your organization: Understanding security updates that get installed without a restart 
• Per-policy level view of the current update statuses: Hotpatch quality update report 
• Technical demo: The hottest way to update Windows 11 and Windows Server 2025  

Note: A hotpatch calendar is now also incorporated into the Windows Server release information. 

To receive the May 2025 hotpatch update, enroll your devices into hotpatching and update them with the April 2025 baseline update.  

This move is part of Microsoft’s broader efforts to improve Windows 11 24H2. Not to forget, Windows 11 is also getting a new Start menu, improved Notepad, and AI-powered Microsoft Paint, this month.