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What's New – Windows 11 Hotpatch

Announced at Microsoft Ignite 2024, Hotpatch is coming to Windows 11 Enterprise version 24H2. Discover the specific requirements, and find out when you can start using this feature.

by Ellis BarrettPublished on 27 November 2024 2 minute read

What is Windows 11 Hotpatch?

Microsoft have announced at Ignite 2024 that Hotpatch updates will be coming to Windows 11 Enterprise version 24H2. Hotpatch updates provide a complete security patch, and they take effect immediately upon installation without requiring you to restart your device. This is a great step to help protect your organisation whilst minimising user disruptions when updates are required.

Hotpatch has been available for Windows Server 2022 for the last two years and will be expanding to Windows 11 24H2. The first month of each quarter (i.e. January, April, July, October), devices install the standard monthly security update and restart. The following two months devices are offered a Hotpatch update.

What are the requirements for this feature?

In order to use this feature you need to meet the following requirements:

  • A Microsoft subscription that includes Windows Enterprise E3 or E5 (e.g. Business premium, A3+, E3+ and F3 licenses); or a Windows 365 Enterprise subscription.
  • Devices must be running Windows 11 24H2 or later Operating System Version.
  • VBS (Virtualisation-based security): VBS must be enabled to ensure secure installation of Hotpatch updates.
  • Latest Baseline release: Devices must be on the latest Baseline release version to qualify for Hotpatch updates. Microsoft releases Baseline updates quarterly as standard cumulative updates.
  • Update policy created in Windows Update for Business or Windows Autopatch

If devices aren't eligible for Hotpatch updates, these devices are offered the Latest Cumulative Update LCU.

When will this be available?

This feature is currently in public preview. It is being actively developed and might not be complete. Therefore, it is recommended not to use this within your production environment. However, you can deploy this to test devices to start testing this feature. As of yet there has not been a timeline provided for when this feature will be made generally available, so stay tuned for future updates.

Need additional support?

OneAdvanced's relationship with Microsoft goes back over 30 years, over which our Modern Workplace experts have helped numerous organisations digitally transform and embrace a better way of working. Get in touch with our team today to see how we can help!

About the author


Ellis Barrett

Modern Desktop Leader

Ellis Barrett, Modern Desktop Team Leader at OneAdvanced, is an experienced IT professional with over nine years of expertise in delivering innovative solutions to complex technical challenges. With a career spanning roles from Service Desk Analyst to Senior Systems Engineer, Ellis is dedicated to continuous improvement and enhancing user experiences through a customer-first approach. He shares actionable strategies and insights on the OneAdvanced platform, simplifying complex technical concepts to empower businesses and bridge the gap between technology and practical application.

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