Enabling Hotpatch for Azure Edition Virtual Machines Created from ISO
Key Notes
- Hotpatch allows security updates without rebooting, enhancing server uptime.
- Proper registry configurations are essential for enabling Hotpatch.
- Verification of installation is crucial to ensure successful Hotpatch setup.
Unlocking the Power of Hotpatch in Azure Edition VMs
In this guide, we’ll explore how to enable Hotpatching on Azure Edition Virtual Machines built using an ISO, ensuring seamless updates and enhanced availability.
What is Azure Edition Hotpatch?
Azure Edition Hotpatch is a feature that facilitates the application of security updates without server reboots. This capability is essential for maintaining continuous service availability, increasing operational security, and expediting update processes.
How to Enable Hotpatch for Azure Edition Virtual Machines
Step 1: Configure Virtualization-Based Security
To start, you need to enable virtualization-based security. Execute the following command in PowerShell:
$registryPath = "HKLM:\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\DeviceGuard" $parameters = @{ Path = $registryPath Name = "EnableVirtualizationBasedSecurity" Value = "0x1" Force = $True PropertyType = "DWORD" } New-ItemProperty @parameters
Pro Tip: Always ensure you have administrative privileges when making changes to the system registry.
Step 2: Define Hotpatch Table Size
After the reboot, set the desired size for the Hotpatch table by executing:
$registryPath = "HKLM:\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management" $parameters = @{ Path = $registryPath Name = "HotPatchTableSize" Value = "0x1000" Force = $True PropertyType = "DWORD" } New-ItemProperty @parameters
Step 3: Set Up Windows Update Endpoint for Hotpatch
Prepare the Windows Update endpoint for Hotpatch by entering the following commands:
$registryPath = "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Update\TargetingInfo\DynamicInstalled\Hotpatch.amd64" $nameParameters = @{ Path = $registryPath Name = "Name" Value = "Hotpatch Enrollment Package" Force = $True } $versionParameters = @{ Path = $registryPath Name = "Version" Value = "10.0.20348.1129" Force = $True } New-Item $registryPath -Force New-ItemProperty @nameParameters New-ItemProperty @versionParameters
Step 4: Download and Install the Hotpatch Servicing Package
Download the Hotpatch servicing package using the command below:
$parameters = @{ Source = "https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=2211714" Destination = ".\KB5003508.msu" } Start-BitsTransfer @parameters
Then, to install the package:
wusa.exe.\KB5003508.msu
Step 5: Verify the Hotpatch Installation
Finally, confirm the installation of the Hotpatch by running:
Get-HotFix | Where-Object { $_. HotFixID -eq "KB5003508" }
Summary
Successfully enabling Hotpatch on Azure Edition VMs allows seamless installation of security updates, maintaining high uptime and system integrity. Following the above steps ensures that your environment is secure and efficiently managed.
Conclusion
By following this guide, you can leverage Hotpatch capabilities, thus ensuring that your Azure Edition VMs are secure and compliant with the latest updates without unnecessary downtimes. Embrace Hotpatching for improved server performance and availability.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What if I can’t find the Hotpatch option?
Ensure that your Windows Server version supports Hotpatch. Also, verify your configurations in the registry.
Are there any prerequisites for using Hotpatch?
You must have the Azure Edition version of Windows Server 2022 and enable the Active Directory environment for Hotpatching to work effectively.