check before: 2025-09-30
Product:
Intune, Windows, Windows Autopatch
Platform:
Online, Windows Desktop, World tenant
Status:
Change type:
Admin impact
Links:
Details:
Summary:
Windows 11 version 25H2 is available from September 30, 2025. Upgrading during October (a baseline month) keeps devices eligible for hotpatch updates; upgrading outside baseline months pauses hotpatching until the next baseline. Organizations should schedule upgrades accordingly to maintain hotpatch continuity.
Details:
Windows 11, version 25H2 is now being offered to eligible devices via feature updates. For customers enrolled in hotpatch quality update policies, when the upgrade is taken can affect whether devices continue to receive hotpatch updates during the current hotpatch cycle. Devices that upgrade during a designated baseline release period (such as October) will remain eligible for hotpatching. Devices that upgrade during a non-baseline month (such as November) will temporarily stop receiving hotpatch updates and, until the next baseline release in January 2026, will instead receive standard security updates that require a restart.
[When will this happen:]
The Windows 11, version 25H2 upgrade will be offered starting September 30, 2025, with October 2025 designated as the baseline month for hotpatch eligibility. Organizations should plan their upgrade timing accordingly to maintain hotpatch continuity.
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
Created:
2025-10-01
updated:
2025-10-01
Task Type
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Docu to Check
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MS How does it affect me
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MS Preperations
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MS Urgency
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MS workload name
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summary for non-techies**
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Direct effects for Operations**
Hotpatch Update Eligibility
Upgrading outside of the designated baseline month will result in devices temporarily losing eligibility for hotpatch updates, leading to potential security vulnerabilities until the next baseline month.
- roles: IT Administrator, Security Officer
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/manage/windows-autopatch-hotpatch-updates#release-cycles
User Experience Disruption
Devices that upgrade outside of the baseline month will receive standard updates that require a restart, causing unexpected downtime and disruption to user activities.
- roles: End User, Help Desk Support
- references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/windows-itpro-blog/hotpatch-for-client-frequently-asked-questions/4413582
Compliance and Security Risks
Failure to upgrade during the baseline month may lead to compliance issues due to delayed security updates, increasing the risk of data breaches or cyber attacks.
- roles: Compliance Officer, IT Security Manager
- references: https://aka.ms/Windows11/25H2/UpdateHistory
Configutation Options**
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Opportunities**
Optimize Upgrade Scheduling for Hotpatch Continuity
By scheduling Windows 11 upgrades during the designated baseline month (October), organizations can ensure that devices remain eligible for hotpatch updates. This will minimize downtime and improve security by ensuring timely updates without requiring restarts.
- next-steps: Analyze current upgrade schedules and adjust them to align with the baseline month. Communicate the new schedule to IT staff and end-users to prepare for the transition.
- roles: IT Administrators, System Engineers, Help Desk Staff
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/manage/windows-autopatch-hotpatch-updates#release-cycles, https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/windows-itpro-blog/hotpatch-for-client-frequently-asked-questions/4413582
Implement Monitoring for Hotpatch Eligibility
Establish a monitoring system to track devices' upgrade statuses and hotpatch eligibility. This proactive approach will help identify devices that may miss the baseline month and ensure timely interventions to maintain update continuity.
- next-steps: Select a monitoring tool or create a script to regularly check device statuses. Train IT staff on how to use the monitoring system and respond to alerts.
- roles: IT Administrators, System Analysts, Compliance Officers
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/manage/windows-autopatch-hotpatch-updates#release-cycles
" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/manage/windows-autopatch-hotpatch-updates#release-cycles
Enhance User Communication and Training
Provide clear communication and training for end-users regarding the upgrade process and its implications on hotpatch updates. This will improve user experience and reduce support tickets related to upgrade issues.
- next-steps: Develop training materials and schedules for end-users. Host informational sessions to explain the importance of upgrading during baseline months and how it affects their devices.
- roles: IT Training Coordinators, HR Managers, End-User Support Teams
- references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/windows-itpro-blog/hotpatch-for-client-frequently-asked-questions/4413582
Potentional Risks**
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IT Security**
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explanation for non-techies**
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** AI generated content. This information must be reviewed before use.
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Last updated 2 months ago ago
