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Microsoft is taking a major step towards improving patching efficiency by enabling Windows hotpatch security updates by default for all eligible devices managed through Microsoft Intune and the Microsoft Graph API. Starting with the May 2026 Windows security update, organizations can expect to see significant improvements in patching speed and reduced downtime.
Microsoft will enable Windows hotpatch security updates by default for all eligible devices managed through Microsoft Intune and the Microsoft Graph API starting with the May 2026 Windows security update. The change aims to improve patching speed and efficiency in Windows environments, halving the time to reach 90% patch compliance. Hotpatch updates will be delivered through Windows Autopatch, allowing administrators to apply patches without requiring users to restart their devices. Admins can check device readiness using the Hotpatch quality updates report in Intune to confirm whether devices are ready for hotpatch updates. The change has significant implications for IT administrators and organizations, with potential benefits including improved patching efficiency, reduced downtime, and enhanced security posture.
Microsoft has announced that it will be enabling Windows hotpatch security updates by default for all eligible devices managed through Microsoft Intune and the Microsoft Graph API, starting with the May 2026 Windows security update. This change is part of a broader effort to improve the speed and efficiency of patching in Windows environments.
Under the current update model, IT administrators typically allow 3 to 5 days for users to restart their devices before forcing compliance, leaving organizations exposed to attacks during this time window. However, with the introduction of hotpatch updates, Microsoft estimates that the time to reach 90% patch compliance will be halved.
The new approach relies on Windows Autopatch, a service that automatically keeps Windows and Microsoft 365 software up to date. Hotpatch security updates are delivered through this service and allow administrators to apply patches without requiring users to restart their devices. This method of updating is seen as the quickest way to get secure, making it an attractive option for organizations looking to improve their patching efficiency.
Microsoft's decision to enable hotpatch security updates by default marks a significant shift in its approach to patch management. The company has been working on Windows Autopatch since April 2022, and it has already reached general availability for customers with Windows Enterprise E3 and E5 licenses in July 2022. Today, the service is running on more than 10 million production devices, applying security fixes the moment they are installed, eliminating the need for a system restart.
Admins will be able to check device readiness using the Hotpatch quality updates report in Intune to confirm whether devices have installed the April 2026 baseline update and meet the prerequisites to receive hotpatch updates in May. Organizations that are not ready can opt out at the tenant level using controls in Microsoft Intune, which will go live on April 1, 2026.
It is worth noting that this change in default behavior has significant implications for IT administrators and their organizations. As with any new update or service, there may be a learning curve and some initial teething issues. However, the benefits of improved patching efficiency and reduced downtime make it an attractive option for many organizations.
In conclusion, Microsoft's decision to enable Windows hotpatch security updates by default represents a significant shift in its approach to patch management. By leveraging the power of Windows Autopatch and hotpatch updates, organizations can improve their patching efficiency, reduce downtime, and enhance their overall security posture.
Related Information:
https://www.ethicalhackingnews.com/articles/Microsoft-to-Enable-Windows-Hotpatch-Security-Updates-by-Default-A-Shift-towards-Faster-Patching-ehn.shtml
Published: Tue Mar 10 05:48:03 2026 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M
