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how to enable hotpatching on Windows Server 2025

Amit Vats 0 Reputation points
2026-01-15T09:04:56.8333333+00:00

Hi Folks, I want to enable hotpatching for my Windows Server 2025 server, can anyone please guide me how to proceed on this.

Windows for business | Windows Server | Devices and deployment | Install Windows updates, features, or roles
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  1. Chen Tran 7,205 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-01-15T09:59:08.8366667+00:00

    Hello Amit,

    Thank you for posting question on Microsoft Windows Forum.

    Based on your query of how to enable Hotpatching on Windows Server 2025.

    Well! To enable Hotpatching on Windows Server 2025, you must connect your server to Azure Arc and configure it via Azure Update Manager. Hotpatching is supported on Standard and Datacenter editions, and it allows you to apply security updates without rebooting your server, minimizing downtime.

    Before attempting to enable the service, ensure your server meets these technical requirements.

    • Operating System: Windows Server 2025 Standard or Datacenter (Build 26100.1742 or later) and Essentials does not support it.
    • Hardware Security: Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) must be enabled. To check it by running msinfo32.exe and look for "Virtualization-based security" status. Note: A reboot is required after enabling VBS.
    • Virtualization: If your server is a VM, it must be Generation 2 with Secure Boot enabled.
    • Environment: Works on on-premises, Azure VMs, or VMware/Hyper-V servers if Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) is enabled.
    • Azure Arc: Your server must be connected to Azure Arc to manage updates via Azure Update Manager.
    • Licensing: Requires an active Azure subscription for update orchestration.

    You can consult the following useful articles for more information regarding your concerns.

    Hope the above information is helpful! If it is. Free feel to hit "Accepted" for benefitting others in community having the same query too.

  2. Q&A Assist
    2026-01-15T09:05:39.8866667+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    To enable hotpatching on Windows Server 2025, follow these steps:

    1. Connect the machine to Azure Arc: Ensure your server is Arc-enabled. If it wasn't previously, you need to connect it to Azure Arc.
    2. Access the Azure Arc portal: Sign in to the Azure Arc portal and navigate to Azure Arc → Machines.
    3. Select your machine: Click on the name of your machine that you want to enable hotpatching for.
    4. Enable Hotpatch: Select the Hotpatch option, then click Confirm.
    5. Wait for changes to apply: It may take about 10 minutes for the changes to take effect. If the update remains in the Pending status, you may need to troubleshoot the Azure Arc agent.

    Once hotpatching is enabled, you will receive prompts to install hotpatch updates as they become available from Windows Update. You can also automate the installation of hotpatches using update management tools like Azure Update Manager.

    Make sure your server meets the prerequisites for enabling hotpatching, including running Windows Server 2025 (build 26100.1742 or later) and having the necessary Azure subscription.

    References:

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