Starting July 1, 2025, Microsoft is changing the way it deploys security updates for server operating systems. Windows Server 2025 users will now be able to receive “hot patches”—updates that install without requiring a system reboot—only with a paid subscription. About this informs Forbes.
The new format of updates, which was previously tested in the previous version of the system, provides for the background installation of patches without interrupting the servers. They are integrated directly into the memory of running processes, which avoids downtime. However, starting in the summer of 2025, access to this convenient feature will cost $1.50 per CPU core per month.
Microsoft explains: although servers will still have to be rebooted several times a year to install critical base updates, the hot patching system will significantly reduce the frequency of downtime, save administrators time and improve business continuity.
Against the background of the transition to new versions of the OS, they also remind that free support for most versions of Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025. After that date, Microsoft will offer only paid packages of advanced security updates – or advise users to switch to a newer operating system.
