Will Microsoft charge for Windows security updates starting in July? Yes, but for Windows Server 2025, not Windows 11.

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Microsoft is introducing a paid subscription for security updates on Windows, however, this change will primarily affect users running Windows Server 2025, not Windows 11. Up until now, hotpatching for Windows Server 2025 has been provided free of charge during the preview phase. Once it exits the preview in July, this service will be billed at a rate of $1.50 per CPU core per month.

It’s likely that those who oversee servers are already aware of the upcoming change in July, but there’s been confusion due to sensationalized headlines implying that PC users might need to pay for Windows 11 security updates from this summer onwards.

However, should you be a server administrator with a keen interest in the upcoming changes, I will certainly address that aspect too.

What is hotpatching a server?

In simpler terms, hotpatching refers to an approach for updating a server that doesn’t require a restart following installation. This is crucial as it helps reduce the duration when servers might be vulnerable.

As an observer, I often notice a peculiar scenario: A repair or update might take longer than expected due to a server needing to be restarted. This interim phase, commonly referred to as the “vulnerability window,” leaves the server exposed, despite a solution being readily accessible.

In Windows Server 2025, hotpatching technology is expected to limit the annual server reboots to approximately four occasions. This means fewer interruptions compared to monthly reboots, significantly decreasing the number of potential vulnerability windows.

As a researcher, when it comes to implementing hotpatching in multi-cloud or on-premises settings, I find that utilizing Azure Arc is the way to go. With Azure Arc, I can manage my environment by seamlessly integrating non-Azure and on-premises resources into Azure Resource Manager, allowing for a unified management experience across different environments.

For decades, Hotpatching for Windows Server Datacenter: Azure Edition has been a reliable feature and will persistently be accessible. The forthcoming July unveiling is centered around Windows Server 2025, which enables Microsoft to extend hotpatching capabilities to non-Azure servers that are linked with Azure Arc.

Azure Edition has been a constant feature and will remain so. The July release focuses on Windows Server 2025, allowing Microsoft to offer hotpatching not just for Azure servers but also for those connected via Azure Arc.

Microsoft’s blog post on the activation of hotpatching for Windows Server 2025 provides a step-by-step guide on enabling this feature along with multiple resources for additional learning.

Is Microsoft charging for Windows security updates?

It seems some news outlets are trying to attract attention by highlighting the Windows Server 2025 subscription requirement in their headlines, but they’re not providing crucial details upfront. Instead of clearly stating the $1.50 per CPU core per month charge, I’ve noticed many social media posts and articles only mention “Windows” when talking about this fee.

As Windows 10 support concludes in October, certain individuals might decide to purchase extended support. However, this is unrelated to any updates regarding servers.

Starting from July 1, 2025, there will be no charge for the security updates of Windows 11. These updates will carry on being released just as they have been previously.

Although this news doesn’t impact individual computer use, there’s a valid concern arising over the pricing for hotfixes in Windows Server 2025. The reason is that the subscription fees are based on each CPU core, which can lead to significant costs accumulating swiftly.

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2025-05-01 21:39