Microsoft is rolling out faster Windows updates without rebooting

Microsoft is now encouraging users to use so-called "hotpatch" updates for Windows, which are smaller, faster, and don't require a system restart. While traditional cumulative updates are released every second Tuesday of the month and include extensive fixes, they can be disruptive to businesses with a large number of devices.

Hotpatch updates, also known as “B” releases, are installed via Autopatch and contain only security fixes. Their small size means they use less bandwidth, install faster, and provide better compliance. Since they only change the code in memory, the device does not require a reboot during installation.

Microsoft states that hotpatches can be up to ten times smaller than regular cumulative updates. Cumulative updates include all previous fixes, while hotpatches are based on a base update that is released four times a year, in January, April, July, and October. The months in between are reserved for hotpatch releases.

A core update that requires a reboot was made available for download recently, but hotpatches that don't require a reboot will be available over the next two months.