Do you remember the times when Windows Updates seemed to have a mind of their own, interrupting your workflow with endless restart requests at the most inconvenient moments? Microsoft has heard your complaints and is now working on a solution to make the Windows Update process smoother and less disruptive.
For many long-time Windows users, the hassle of dealing with constant restart requests during the update process has been a common frustration. With the introduction of hotpatching, Microsoft is aiming to address this issue by minimizing the number of times users will need to restart their Windows 11 PCs. Imagine a scenario where you only need to restart your system once every three months – a much-welcomed relief for many users.
Hotpatching, already in use for Azure server virtual machines, is a technology that allows updates to be applied without requiring a system restart immediately afterward. This means that users will experience a smoother update process with fewer interruptions to their workflow. While hotpatching is currently limited to Azure server virtual machines, Microsoft plans to extend this feature to Windows 11. The Windows 11 24H2 update in mid-2024 is expected to bring hotpatching to x86 and 64 computers, with support for Windows on Arm devices scheduled for 2025.
However, it's worth noting that hotpatching does not eliminate the need for system restarts entirely. Microsoft will periodically release baseline patches to update the system's code, typically issued once every three months. In the event of critical vulnerabilities or zero-day threats, emergency baseline patches may also be released to ensure the security of users' systems.
The implementation of hotpatching technology represents a significant step forward in enhancing the Windows update experience by making the process less disruptive and more seamless for users. With these advancements on the horizon, users can look forward to a more efficient and streamlined update process.
Enjoy a smoother Windows update experience with Microsoft's innovative hotpatching technology!