Microsoft is testing out a new “hot patching” feature in recent Windows 11 preview builds that could allow certain future cumulative updates to install without requiring a disruptive reboot. This is according to renowned Microsoft leaker Zac Bowden, of Windows Central.
If implemented, this could provide a major convenience boost for Windows 11 users.
What is “Hot Patching” and How Does it Work?
Hot patching refers to applying updates without needing to restart the operating system. This method is more convenient for users as it avoids forced reboots to install patches.
While hot patching may be new to Windows 11, Microsoft already uses similar reboot-less update technology for Windows Server and the Xbox video game console.
So the concept is already proven with Microsoft products. Expanding it to Windows 11 could provide the same benefits to consumer and business users.
Evidence of Hot Patching Testing for Windows 11
In the latest Canary and Dev channel preview builds of Windows 11, build 26058, Microsoft has been pushing out dummy updates meant to test servicing pipelines for the next Windows 11 feature update – version 24H2 expected later this year.
The release notes for these test updates specifically mention that systems with VBS enabled “may not experience a restart upon installing the update.” This clear reference suggests Microsoft is actively testing the feasibility of applying updates without requiring restarts.
Also Read: Users can now officially run Windows 11 on Apple Silicon Macs
Virtualization-based Security (VBS) is a feature in Windows that leverages hardware virtualization and the Windows hypervisor to create an isolated virtual environment. This environment becomes the root of trust for the operating system, even if the kernel itself is compromised.
Potential Use Cases – Monthly Updates First
According to Zac Bowden’s sources familiar with Microsoft’s Windows update plans, this hot patching capability would initially apply to the monthly cumulative updates (also called quality updates).
These cumulative updates contain important security fixes, system improvements, and reliability enhancements that are rolled out monthly on Patch Tuesday. They work silently in the background to keep systems secure and running smoothly.
Also Read: Windows updates demystified: Feature updates vs. Quality updates
By hot patching these updates, Microsoft could install them without interrupting users with a forced reboot. This might finally realize the long sought after goal of applying Windows updates without restarts.
Of course, major feature updates would still require full installs with reboots for now. Additionally, not every single cumulative update would be hot patched – there may still be a baseline update that needs a reboot every few months to refresh the OS.
But in between those baseline updates, subsequent cumulative patches could potentially install seamlessly without restarts through hot patching.
The User Convenience Factor
If successfully implemented for monthly cumulative updates, hot patching would provide a major convenience boost for Windows 11 users by reducing the number of disruptive, forced reboots.
Having to suddenly stop what you’re doing to reboot due to a pending update installation is one of the most frustrating aspects of Windows. Applying critical patches without restarts would lead to much fewer interruptions.
While not confirmed, Microsoft’s investigation of hot patching shows they are serious about improving the Windows updating experience. Less reboots could make Windows 11 even more appealing than Windows 10 for consumers and enterprise customers alike.
Still Early Testing – But Promising
Of course, since this hot patching capability is still in early testing, there’s no guarantee it will ship to production Windows 11 releases. But the explicit references in Microsoft’s testing notes point to this being seriously considered for inclusion in 2022 and beyond.
If Microsoft can work out the kinks and successfully implement hot patching for cumulative updates, it would solve one of the Windows platform’s most persistent user experience pains – the jarring disruption of forced reboots after patches.
For those still holding out on Windows 10, hot patching could be another feather in Windows 11’s cap to incentivize upgrading. And for enterprises wary of updating downtime, it could make Windows 11 rollouts more attractive.
While we’ll have to wait and see if hot patching pans out past testing, the signs point to reboot-less updates coming sooner than later to a future Windows 11 update.
