Microsoft faced criticism once again due to Windows safety updates. The controversy stemmed from a recent security patch that added a mysterious folder, named InetPub, to users’ computers without any explanation. Initially, confusion spread on the Internet, but Microsoft later cautioned that this folder could potentially leave systems vulnerable to attacks. Subsequently, it was revealed that the installation of the InetPub folder indeed opened up a new avenue for attacks on Windows.
Amidst this confusion, Microsoft also sparked controversy with its plans to introduce a new system of safety updates called “hot patches” that do not require rebooting. This feature was first announced on April 14, with the news that it would be available to users of Windows 11 Enterprise version of 24H2 on devices with AMD or Intel processors managed by Microsoft Intune.
Recent updates from Microsoft have confirmed that starting July 1, hot patches for Windows Server 2025 will transition to a subscription model. Users will need to have Windows Server 2025 Standard or Datacenter and connect the server to Azure Arc to receive these updates. Notably, a paid subscription to the Hotpatch service will be required.
For reference, hot patches have been freely available for users of Windows Server Datacenter: Azure Edition, and this will not change. However, for Windows Server 2025, users will need to pay $1.50 per processor core per month for this new convenience. Microsoft asserts that with hot patches, servers will still need to reboot about four times a year for basic updates, but the rest of the time, standard reboots after the usual “Patch Tuesdays” can be avoided, saving time and reducing inconvenience.