Microsoft to Introduce $1.50 Monthly Fee for Windows Hotpatch Security Updates Starting July 1

 

Microsoft to Introduce $1.50 Monthly Fee for Windows Hotpatch Security Updates Starting July 1

Subscription-based security patches spark user backlash as Microsoft shifts to new update model

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KEY FACTS

1. What: Microsoft introduces subscription fee for Windows hotpatch security updates.

2. Where: Affects global users of Windows Server 2025 Standard and Datacenter editions.

3. When: Fee implementation starts July 1, 2025.

4. Cost: $1.50 USD per CPU core, billed monthly.

5. Why: To deliver seamless, no-reboot security updates through Azure Arc.

6. How: Subscription tied to Microsoft's Hotpatch service; Azure Arc connectivity required.

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SITUATION SNAPSHOT

Frustration among Windows users is mounting once again as Microsoft unveils another contentious change—this time attaching a monthly fee to its no-reboot hotpatch security updates. The tech giant’s announcement follows a series of missteps that have already bruised user trust, with many now questioning the cost of staying secure.

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WHAT WE KNOW

Microsoft recently faced criticism after a Windows security update secretly added an unexplained folder to users’ systems, triggering mass confusion on social media. After independent "experts" advised users to delete it, Microsoft later clarified that removing the folder exposed systems to greater risk. Subsequent findings revealed that this patch incidentally opened up pathways for new Windows-based attacks.

Adding to the turmoil, Microsoft confirmed that from July 1, users wanting to utilize no-reboot hotpatch security updates must pay a $1.50 per CPU core monthly subscription. The updates will be available exclusively for Windows Server 2025 Standard and Datacenter editions, provided they are linked to Azure Arc.

According to Microsoft, “With hotpatching, you will still need to restart your Windows Servers about four times yearly for baseline updates, but hotpatching can save significant time and ease the inconvenience of a traditional Patch Tuesday.”

Janine Patrick, Windows Server product marketing manager, and Artem Pronichkin, senior program manager at Microsoft, formally announced the transition. While hotpatching has long been included free for Azure Edition users, Windows Server 2025 customers will now face additional subscription costs.

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WHAT’S NEXT

Microsoft plans to finalize deployment logistics ahead of the July 1 start date. IT administrators managing Windows Server 2025 Standard or Datacenter systems will need to ensure their servers are Azure Arc-connected to access the service. Analysts predict potential user pushback could force Microsoft to refine or clarify its subscription model in coming months.

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VOICES ON THE GROUND

Many IT professionals and system administrators have voiced strong concerns online.

One system engineer posted, "After the inetpub folder fiasco, now they want us to pay monthly to avoid rebooting? Unreal."

Another corporate IT lead remarked, "This adds unnecessary complexity and cost for enterprises already stretched thin."

Microsoft, however, maintains that “you will also need to subscribe to the Hotpatch service” in order to experience the benefits of reduced downtime.

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CONTEXT

Microsoft's move toward a subscription model for essential security services reflects broader industry trends as software vendors seek recurring revenue streams. Historically, security updates for Windows Server have been free of charge, bundled into Patch Tuesday releases. This pivot marks a major policy shift, particularly as businesses increasingly depend on cloud services like Azure for infrastructure management.

Hotpatching technology, which updates in-memory code without requiring reboots, offers significant uptime advantages—a critical need for enterprise environments. However, introducing a paid tier for these updates could complicate budgeting and strategic planning for IT departments.

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REPORTER INSIGHT

Covering this story reveals an underlying tension between technological advancement and the monetization of basic security. While hotpatching undoubtedly offers convenience, the backlash signals a growing intolerance among users toward subscription creep—especially when tied to critical infrastructure services.