Windows 11 24H2 LTSC KB5046696 Hotpatch Update Released Without Restart

Microsoft’s Latest Hotpatch Update for Windows 11 24H2 LTSC Enterprise

In conjunction with its Ignite 2024 announcements, Microsoft has introduced the inaugural hotpatch update for Windows 11 24H2 LTSC Enterprise. This initial preview, identified as Build 26100.2240 under KB5046696, marks a significant advancement in the Windows update process.

Overview of the Update

The official changelog details essential improvements and fixes associated with this release:

Enhancements and Fixes

This update incorporates various security enhancements aimed at refining the internal operating system functionality. Below are the primary changes documented with this update:

• Implementations of miscellaneous security improvements for the operating system, with no additional issues noted for this release.

Understanding Hotpatching

Hotpatching, as its name implies, allows users to receive updates without the need for system reboots or user intervention; the implementation occurs instantaneously. Microsoft guarantees that this approach does not compromise security integrity, meaning updates will be applied automatically through Windows Update. As highlighted by Microsoft:

“Hotpatch technology has demonstrated a reliable two-year performance on Windows Server. By extending this capability to Windows 11 Enterprise version 24H2 devices, we present multiple advantages including:

• Devices obtain security patches equivalent to those included in standard monthly updates released during Patch Tuesday.
• Hotpatch updates are activated without requiring user action.
• Users can continue their tasks and enjoy enhanced security, all while avoiding the interruptions caused by device restarts.

Additional Innovations in Update Delivery

This hotpatch update is just one of several significant modifications Microsoft has introduced regarding update management for Windows 11 24H2 and Server 2025. Earlier this year, the company implemented checkpoint cumulative updates, specifically designed to minimize update sizes, which consequently reduces the necessary download bandwidth and storage space on devices.

For further details, visit the coverage on Neowin.