Microsoft's introduction of a $1.50 per core monthly fee for hotpatching in Windows Server 2025 marks a significant shift in how businesses manage server updates. This new model, effective July 1, 2025, applies to organizations running Windows Server 2025 Standard or Datacenter editions on their own hardware, provided the servers are connected to Azure Arc. (microsoft.com)
Understanding Hotpatching
Hotpatching is a method that allows the installation of operating system security updates without the need for a system reboot. By patching the in-memory code of running processes, hotpatching minimizes downtime and ensures continuous operation of critical services. This technology was first introduced in Windows Server 2022 Datacenter: Azure Edition and has been available to Azure users at no additional cost. (learn.microsoft.com)
The New Pricing Model
Starting July 1, 2025, Microsoft will extend hotpatching to on-premises deployments of Windows Server 2025 Standard and Datacenter editions. However, this extension comes with a subscription fee of $1.50 per CPU core per month. To utilize hotpatching, servers must be connected to Azure Arc, Microsoft's tool for managing systems across diverse environments. (microsoft.com)
Benefits of Hotpatching
The primary advantage of hotpatching is the reduction in the number of required reboots. Traditionally, servers undergo monthly reboots to apply security updates, leading to potential downtime and disruption. With hotpatching, the frequency of reboots can be reduced to quarterly, as only major updates necessitate a restart. This reduction translates to fewer maintenance windows and a more seamless experience for end-users. (learn.microsoft.com)
Financial Implications
For organizations with extensive server infrastructures, the cumulative cost of the new fee can be substantial. For instance, a company operating 100 servers, each with 16 cores, would incur an additional monthly expense of $2,400. Over a year, this amounts to $28,800. While Microsoft justifies this cost by highlighting the time saved and the reduction in operational disruptions, businesses must evaluate whether the benefits outweigh the financial outlay.
Technical Requirements
To implement hotpatching, servers must meet specific prerequisites:
- Operating System: Windows Server 2025 Standard or Datacenter editions.
- Azure Arc Connection: Servers must be connected to Azure Arc to manage and deploy hotpatches.
- Virtualization-Based Security (VBS): VBS must be enabled and running on the server.
- Baseline Update: Installation of the latest cumulative update to establish a baseline for subsequent hotpatches. (learn.microsoft.com)
Organizations interested in adopting hotpatching should follow these steps:
- Assess Compatibility: Ensure that existing hardware and software configurations are compatible with Windows Server 2025 and meet the technical requirements for hotpatching.
- Connect to Azure Arc: Enroll servers in Azure Arc to facilitate management and deployment of hotpatches.
- Enable VBS: Configure Virtualization-Based Security on each server to support hotpatching.
- Establish Baseline: Apply the latest cumulative update to set a foundation for future hotpatches.
- Monitor and Manage: Utilize Azure Update Manager to oversee the deployment of hotpatches and monitor server health. (learn.microsoft.com)
While hotpatching offers numerous benefits, organizations may encounter challenges:
- Cost Management: The per-core fee can accumulate rapidly, especially in large-scale deployments.
- Technical Complexity: Implementing and managing hotpatching requires a thorough understanding of Azure Arc and VBS configurations.
- Training Needs: IT staff may require additional training to effectively deploy and manage hotpatching.
Microsoft's decision to charge for hotpatching in Windows Server 2025 reflects a broader trend towards subscription-based services. While the reduction in downtime and operational disruptions presents a compelling case, organizations must carefully assess the financial implications and technical requirements. By conducting a thorough cost-benefit analysis and ensuring readiness for implementation, businesses can make informed decisions about adopting hotpatching in their server management strategies.
Source: Yahoo Microsoft to Charge $1.50 per Core Each Month for Windows Server Updates
