Microsoft has announced that its paid-for hotpatching security update service will cost Windows Server 2025 users $1.50 per core from July 1. The feature, which negates the need to reboot your system following a security update, will be available as a subscription-only service.
Hotpatching was first introduced in preview mode in 2024 for specific versions of Windows 11 and Windows Server Datacenter: Azure Edition. It allows updates to download and install in the background, reducing the need for reboots. Microsoft claims that hotpatching brings several benefits, including higher availability, faster deployment, and easier patch orchestration.
However, the company has now confirmed that Windows Server 2025 users will be charged a monthly fee of $1.50 per core to access this feature. Users with “Windows Server 2025 Standard or Datacenter” and connected to Azure Arc are eligible for the service, but must also subscribe to the Hotpatch service.
While hotpatching can save significant time and ease traditional Patch Tuesday reboots, it’s an optional service that some users may not need. The $1.50 per core fee has raised concerns among administrators, particularly those who rely on manual updates or delayed patching due to potential issues with automated deployment.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/daveywinder/2025/04/29/microsoft-confirms-150-windows-security-update-fee-starts-july-1