Windows 11 Enterprise computers can now receive updates while running – no reboot required

Microsoft has officially announced the release of hotpatch updates for Windows 11 Enterprise builds. This new update protocol is currently targeted at Enterprise 11 24H2 versions and applies to AMD and Intel x64 processor-based devices. While hotpatching has been mentioned previously, it is now available to a wider audience of Windows 11 Enterprise 24H2 users.

If you are unfamiliar with the concept of hotpatching, its main advantage is the ability to install updates without having to reboot your system. This is especially useful in an enterprise environment because it allows users to continue working without the interruptions associated with rebooting and minimizes the load on the CPU.

With hotpatching, you will be able to install updates without having to reboot the system.

There are also quarterly updates that will likely still require a reboot, unlike regular hotpatch updates. Nevertheless, this is a significant improvement over the current monthly reboot requirements.

Microsoft’s blog details the requirements to activate hotpatching on Windows 11 Enterprise clients. In a nutshell, you will need:

• Subscription to Windows 365 Enterprise, Windows 11 Enterprise (including E3, E5, or F3), or Windows 11 Education (A3 or A5).
• Client with Windows 11 Enterprise 24H2 installed (specifically, build no lower than 26100.2033) with the latest base update.
• Activation of Visualization-based Security (VBS).
• Amdm or Intel x64 processor.

Arm64-based devices are in open pre-release and require a registry key change to support the new hotpatch update system. Detailed configuration instructions can be found on the official Microsoft blog.

Microsoft also clarifies that hotpatch updates will follow a standard update schedule that will continue to apply to Windows 10 and Windows 11 23H2 devices. Hotpatch releases will be assigned a separate KB number. The team confirmed in a blog post that the Windows quality update policy will be able to automatically determine if your device meets the necessary requirements to participate in the hotpatch system.

Windows 10 10 will be able to automatically determine if your device meets the necessary requirements to participate in the hotpatch system.

It’s important to note that this rollout is exclusive to Windows 11 Enterprise customers and is not available for Windows 11 Home and Pro versions. More information about the new hotpatch update protocol can be found on the official Microsoft blog.