Microsoft warns companies to timely acquire baseline updates like the 25H2 upgrade, or they might miss out on hotpatches.
Microsoft released the Windows 11 25H2 update this week, without too many major changes. For users of version 24H2, the upgrade is particularly smooth via an enablement package (eKB5054156), requiring only one restart. This results in less downtime, something Microsoft has been focusing on with features like hotpatching, which has been standard active since this year.
Hotpatching ensures that security updates can be applied without a restart. Only once per quarter is a baseline update needed, like now with 25H2, which does require a reboot. It brings new features along with security patches, while a hotpatch only provides security.
Pay Attention to Enterprise Systems
However, Microsoft now issues an important warning for IT admins and sysadmins. Those upgrading business PCs or servers using hotpatching to Windows 11 25H2 in a non-baseline month will encounter a problem.
The company explains on Windows Health: “Devices upgrading during a scheduled baseline release month (like October) remain eligible for hotpatching. Devices upgrading in a non-baseline month (like November) will temporarily stop receiving hotpatches and will get regular security updates with a restart, until the next baseline release.”
Follow Update Schedule
The schedule of baseline and hotpatch releases looks like this:
| Baseline month | Hotpatch 1 | Hotpatch 2 |
|---|---|---|
| January | February | March |
| April | May | June |
| July | August | September |
| October | November | December |