Microsoft Releases Hotpatch Support for Windows Server Virtual Machines with Desktops

Laptop-Windows-10

Microsoft has announced that hotpatch support is now generally available for Windows Server Azure Edition VMs running the Desktop experience. This release enables organizations to patch and install updates to Windows Server virtual machines on Azure without rebooting.

The Hotpatch feature accomplishes this goal by applying the patch in-memory code of running processes without restarting the process. Hotpatch is designed to improve the availability of critical systems as well as minimize interruptions and downtime.

“Hotpatches contains updates that don’t require a reboot. Because Hotpatch patches the in-memory code of running processes without the need to restart the process, your applications are unaffected by the patching process. This action is separate from any potential performance and functionality implications of the patch itself,” Microsoft explained.

Previously, the Hotpatch feature was only available for the Server Core installation option for Windows Server virtual machines. Now, it should work if the Windows Server virtual machine is installed with the Desktop experience, which offers graphical UI management capabilities. You can see how hotpatch works in the video below:

Hotpatch for virtual machines ensures faster deployment of updates

Microsoft highlighted several benefits of the hotpatch capability for supported VMs. The operating system updates should now install faster and consume less storage and CPU resources. Moreover, hotpatch provides better protection and reduces the time exposed to security risks.

Microsoft noted that customers will still need to reboot VMs in order to install updates that are currently not included in the hotpatch program. These include .NET updates, non-security updates released for Windows, and non-Windows updates. Moreover, reboots will also be required periodically after installing a new baseline.

Microsoft recommends organizations to use the new images of Windows Server Azure Edition VMs on Azure to get started with hotpatch today. You can find more details about hotpatch on this support page.