Understanding Patch Tuesday and Hotpatch Updates
Every second Tuesday of the month marks Patch Tuesday, a day when Microsoft rolls out crucial updates for its operating systems. These updates, while essential for maintaining system security and functionality, can potentially disrupt business operations, particularly for organizations managing extensive networks of devices. In response to this challenge, Microsoft is promoting the use of hotpatch updates as a streamlined alternative.
What Are Hotpatch Updates?
Hotpatch updates, often referred to as “B”releases, function as an extension of the conventional Windows Update system. These updates are exclusively deployed through Autopatch and are designed to be lightweight—primarily focused on security enhancements. This contrasts significantly with the cumulative updates typically issued on Patch Tuesday.
Benefits of Hotpatch Updates
The key advantages of hotpatch updates lie in their size and functionality. These updates are so compact that they can dramatically reduce bandwidth consumption, allowing for quicker installations and increased compliance rates. One noteworthy feature of hotpatch updates is that they do not necessitate restarting devices, as they implement “in-memory code changes”to address security vulnerabilities effectively. According to Microsoft, some hotpatch updates can be up to 10 times smaller than standard cumulative updates.
Comparing Cumulative Updates and Hotpatches
Cumulative updates tend to be larger since they incorporate not only the latest security fixes but also any features and changes from previous releases. Thus, when a device installs a cumulative update, it effectively updates all prior modifications. Conversely, hotpatch releases focus solely on security patches that are advanced incrementally from a baseline update.
Release Schedule
The baseline update, akin to the more extensive cumulative update, is issued quarterly, specifically in January, April, July, and October. In the months between these quarterly releases, Microsoft provides hotpatch updates. With the next baseline update set to launch tomorrow, users can expect two subsequent hotpatch updates that will not require device reboots.
Related Articles:
How to Check if Windows Recall is Enabled on Your PC Using a Simple Command
21:03
How Excel’s INDIRECT Function Streamlines Sheet Consolidation Efforts
20:06
Microsoft Introduces New Feature to SQL Server Management Studio
19:56
Leave a Reply