Microsoft’s Windows Server Hotpatching Transitions to Subscription Model: $1.50 per Core Starting July
Microsoft is changing the landscape of Windows Server updates. Starting July 1st, 2025, the hotpatching service, which allows administrators to install security updates without system restarts, will transition from a free preview to a paid subscription model. This move is poised to significantly impact how businesses manage their Windows Server environments, offering both convenience and cost considerations.
The announcement, detailed across various Microsoft channels and tech news outlets, emphasizes the benefits of hotpatching, particularly its ability to minimize downtime and reduce the “window of vulnerability.” However, the introduction of a $1.50 per CPU core per month fee has sparked debate within the IT community. Is the convenience of no-reboot security updates worth the added expense?
What is Hotpatching?
Hotpatching, as Microsoft explains, involves patching the in-memory code of running processes. This eliminates the need for a system reboot after each security update. Unlike traditional patching, which often requires scheduled downtime and can leave systems vulnerable in the interim, hotpatching offers a more seamless and efficient approach.
The Fine Print
To utilize hotpatching outside of Azure, users must meet specific requirements: Windows Server 2025 Standard or Datacenter edition and a server connected to Azure Arc. Then comes the subscription to the Hotpatch service itself. While hotpatching saves time and reduces patching inconveniences, servers will still require reboots roughly four times a year for baseline updates.
The Cost-Benefit Analysis
The key question for many organizations is whether the $1.50 per core per month fee is justified. Microsoft highlights reduced downtime, quicker update deployment, and enhanced security as key advantages. They also point to use cases within Microsoft, such as the Xbox team, where hotpatching drastically reduced update times. Ultimately, the decision hinges on an organization's specific needs, risk tolerance, and budget considerations. A company with hundreds or thousands of cores may find the fee prohibitive, while smaller organizations with critical uptime requirements might see it as a worthwhile investment.
Implications and Considerations
The move to a subscription model underscores Microsoft's ongoing shift towards cloud-based services and recurring revenue streams. IT professionals are now faced with evaluating the total cost of ownership (TCO) of their Windows Server infrastructure, factoring in not only hardware and software costs but also subscription fees for essential services like hotpatching.
What's Next?
Microsoft encourages users currently testing the hotpatching preview to disenroll before June 30th to avoid automatic subscription charges. The company also provides resources on how to enable hotpatching through Azure Arc and the Azure Portal.
Will the convenience of no-reboot updates outweigh the cost for your organization? Share your thoughts and concerns in the comments below. What impact could this change have on your patching strategy?
