Microsoft Pauses Reboot-Free Hotpatch Updates for Two Months

Microsoft is temporarily pausing its reboot-free Hotpatch updates for two months. The September 2026 security release will require Hotpatch-enabled Windows 11 and Windows Server devices to restart, as some of the security improvements in this update change components that cannot be updated without a restart.

This means organizations using Windows Autopatch, Windows 11 Hotpatch, and Windows Server Hotpatch will need to schedule a reboot for their devices. Microsoft emphasized that devices will remain enrolled in the Hotpatch program after the reboot and administrators do not need to reconfigure any settings.

Another reboot is expected in October 2026, which is already designated as a quarterly baseline update month. Baseline updates traditionally require a restart, so Hotpatch customers will face reboot requirements in two consecutive months.