Windows Server 2024 Datacenter Activation

Question

Hi,

I used Windows Server 2019 Datacenter edition virtual machine before with no problems but now I tried Windows Server 2024 Datacenter Azure Edition Hotpatch which says that the activation is required. As I know virtual machines don't need activation because the activation cost is included in it.

Can anyone tell me what to do?

Thanks

Answer 1

Hello

It seems you’re using the Windows Server 2024 Datacenter Azure Edition Hotpatch. This version of Windows Server introduces a feature called Hotpatching. Hotpatching is a way to install OS security updates on supported Windows Server Datacenter: Azure Edition virtual machines (VMs) that doesn’t require a reboot after installation. It works by patching the in-memory code of running processes without the need to restart the process.

 

However, to enable Hotpatch, there are certain prerequisites:

Windows Server 2024 Datacenter: Azure Edition hosted on a supported platform, such as Azure or Azure Stack HCI with Azure benefits enabled.

Outbound network access or an outbound port rule allowing HTTPS (TCP/443) traffic to the following endpoints: go.microsoft.com, software-static.download.prss.microsoft.com.

 

If you’re using the Azure marketplace, don’t follow the steps in this article. Instead, use the following images from Azure Marketplace that are ready for Hotpatching:

Windows Server 2024 Datacenter: Azure Edition Hotpatch - Gen2

Windows Server 2024 Datacenter: Azure Edition Core - Gen2

 

If you’re using an ISO deployed machine on Azure Stack HCI, there are a few important differences with the Hotpatch experience compared with using Hotpatch as part of Azure Automanage for Azure VMs. The differences include:

Hotpatch configuration isn’t available via Azure Update Manager.

Hotpatch can’t be disabled.

Automatic Patching orchestration isn’t available. Orchestration must be performed manually (for example, using Windows Update via SConfig).

Answer 2

My database official