Windows Client Hotpatching: Restart-Free Updates Now Available for Enterprise Devices

Microsoft just made life a little easier for IT leaders. 

As of version 24H2, hotpatching is now available for Windows 11 Enterprise clients, allowing IT teams to apply security updates without forcing users to reboot. This change, long-awaited by many enterprise environments, brings the benefits of server-class update behavior to the client OS—reducing disruptions, increasing uptime, and improving user experience across the board. 

At CloudServus, we’re already helping organizations understand how this update fits into their endpoint strategy—and more importantly, how their current licensing may (or may not) make them eligible. 

What Is Windows Client Hotpatching? 

Windows hotpatching allows you to apply security updates without restarting the machine, minimizing user disruption. While hotpatching has been available in Windows Server Azure Edition for some time, this marks the first time it's available on Windows 11 Enterprise client devices. 

According to the official Windows IT Pro Blog, the hotpatching functionality for Windows 11 24H2 (x64 only) includes: 

• No reboots required during the quarter for standard security patches 

• Seamless patch deployment while users remain active 

• A single reboot once per quarter to reset the base image (called a “baseline”) 

This brings a server-grade update experience to end-user devices—particularly valuable for frontline workers, field staff, or environments where downtime translates to lost productivity. 

Who Gets Access? 

Not everyone. 

To take advantage of hotpatching on Windows 11 Enterprise, your devices must meet these requirements: 

• Running Windows 11 version 24H2 (x64) 

• Licensed under Windows 11 Enterprise E3, E5, or F3 

Organizations relying on Windows 11 Pro or Business editions won’t have access to this feature. This makes understanding your licensing more important than ever—especially for companies with a mixed estate of SKUs. 

CloudServus offers a full Microsoft Licensing Assessment to help identify where feature gaps exist and ensure your environment aligns with both security goals and user experience expectations. 

Why It Matters for IT Leaders 

This is more than a quality-of-life improvement. It's a shift in how enterprise IT teams can approach update management at scale. 

Less downtime = higher productivity 
Teams no longer need to stop what they're doing to install updates or reboot. That means fewer support tickets, less end-user frustration, and better patching compliance. 

Better compliance without heavy-handed enforcement 
Hotpatching ensures updates are applied promptly without having to force restarts through Group Policy or Configuration Manager. 

Smarter use of IT resources 
Hotpatching can reduce time spent coordinating after-hours patch cycles or managing exceptions for critical systems. 

How to Prepare for Client Hotpatching 

Before enabling hotpatching across your estate, we recommend reviewing the following: 

• OS Versioning: Confirm which devices are eligible for Windows 11 24H2 and plan your upgrade roadmap accordingly. 

• License Alignment: Ensure all applicable endpoints are covered under Enterprise E3, E5, or F3. 

• Update Strategy: Update your Windows Update for Business or Intune configuration to align with hotpatch scheduling. 

• Communication Plan: Let end users know what to expect—especially the fact that fewer reboots are coming.\n\nNeed help evaluating readiness? CloudServus can help assess your Windows estate and licensing alignment to determine your best path forward. 

Get More Value Out of Your Licensing 

Microsoft continues to evolve feature availability around licensing tiers—making it critical to stay ahead of what you’re paying for and what you’re missing out on. 

At CloudServus, we help organizations: 

• Identify unused features tied to current licensing 

• Evaluate if an upgrade from Pro or Business to Enterprise is cost-justified 

• Align update strategies with Microsoft’s roadmap 

📞 Schedule a Microsoft Licensing Assessment 
Let’s make sure your Windows licensing works as hard as your IT team does.