Windows Hotpatch License Requirements: What You Need to Use Reboot-Free Updates
Microsoft’s Windows Hotpatch brings reboot-free security updates to Windows 11 Enterprise.
It’s designed for organizations that want to stay secure without interrupting work.
But before you enable it in Intune or Windows Autopatch, make sure your devices meet the license and technical requirements.
What Is Windows Hotpatch?
Hotpatch allows Windows to install most monthly security updates without restarting the system.
It works by updating system components in memory, avoiding the downtime caused by traditional updates.
This feature was first used on Windows Server in Azure, and now it’s available for Windows 11 Enterprise devices through Microsoft Intune and Windows Autopatch.
License Requirements for Windows 11 Hotpatch
To use Hotpatch on Windows 11 Enterprise, devices must have a valid Microsoft license that supports enterprise-grade management and security features.
Eligible Licenses
You’ll need one of the following:
- Windows 11 Enterprise E3 or E5
- Microsoft 365 F3
- Windows 11 Education A3 or A5
- Microsoft 365 Business Premium
- Windows 365 Enterprise
Any of these licenses unlocks the Enterprise features required for Hotpatch, including virtualization-based security (VBS), Windows Update for Business, and Intune integration.
Supported Versions
- Windows 11 Enterprise, version 24H2 or later
- Device must be on the latest baseline update
- Managed via Intune or Windows Autopatch
Hardware and Security Requirements
- CPU: x64 (ARM64 is still in preview)
- VBS: Virtualization-Based Security must be enabled
- Update Channel: Configured via Intune Quality Update policy with Hotpatch enabled
If a device doesn’t meet the version or license requirements, it automatically falls back to normal cumulative updates that still require a reboot.
License Requirements for Windows Server Hotpatch
Hotpatch isn’t just for Windows 11 — it’s also supported on Windows Server 2025 and Azure Edition servers.
Here’s how licensing works on the server side:
1. Azure Edition VMs
- Hotpatch is included in Azure Edition VMs.
- No additional subscription is needed.
- Updates are applied automatically through Azure.
2. On-Premises or Multicloud Servers
For physical or non-Azure environments, Hotpatch is available as a paid subscription through Azure Arc.
- Subscription Cost: $1.50 per CPU core per month
- Availability: Starts July 2025
- Connection: Server must be Azure Arc-enabled
- Supported Editions: Windows Server 2025 Standard or Datacenter
This model allows organizations to use Hotpatch without moving workloads to Azure, while still benefiting from reduced downtime and faster patching.
Key Differences: Client vs Server Hotpatch Licensing
| Category | Windows 11 (Client) | Windows Server 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| License Type | Included with Enterprise or Microsoft 365 E3/E5 | Subscription ($1.50 per core/month) via Azure Arc |
| Eligibility | Enterprise, Education, Business Premium | Standard or Datacenter edition |
| Management | Intune or Windows Autopatch | Azure Arc |
| Reboot-Free Updates | Security updates only | Security updates only |
| Availability | Version 24H2+ | General availability July 2025 |
Why Licensing Matters
Licensing determines not only if your devices can use Hotpatch but also how updates are delivered and managed.
- For Intune admins: The right license ensures your update policies can enable Hotpatch features.
- For hybrid environments: Azure Arc subscription allows consistent management across cloud and on-prem servers.
- For compliance teams: Enterprise licenses ensure devices stay eligible for Microsoft’s latest security features.
Final Thoughts
Windows Hotpatch represents a major step forward in secure, always-on endpoint management.
With the right licenses and device configurations, you can cut reboots by more than half — while keeping systems protected and compliant.
If you already have Windows 11 Enterprise E3/E5 or Microsoft 365 Business Premium, you’re likely ready to enable Hotpatch in Intune today.
References
- Microsoft Learn: Manage Hotpatch Updates in Windows Autopatch
- Windows IT Pro Blog: Hotpatch for Windows Client
- Microsoft Blog: Hotpatch for Windows Server 2025
