Microsoft has introduced the ability for Windows 11 to update without requiring a PC reboot.

(image credit: Microsoft)

Microsoft is reportedly testing a new feature for Windows 11 that will allow security updates and patches to be deployed without requiring a system reboot or restart. This is great news as users have had to endure restarting Windows with every minor update for years.

The latest Windows 11 build on the Dev Channel notes that Insiders with the Virtualization Based Security (VBS) feature enabled will be able to "receive Build 26058.1400 (KB5036080) and may not experience a restart upon installing the update."

This new feature, called "hot patching," is a brand-new feature for Windows 11 desktop users. Hot patching works by patching the in-memory code of running processes without the need to restart the process. Microsoft writes that this feature will lower the workload impact, offer better protection, and reduce the time it takes to update.

Hot patching has been available for Windows Servers for a while now, which is where Virtualization Based Security (VBS) originates. However, Microsoft plans to bring this feature to all Windows 11 users for its monthly security updates. Although significant patches will still require a reboot, hot patching will significantly reduce the times you will be prompted to 'update and shutdown' or 'update and restart.' This feature is rumored to be a part of the big Windows 11 version 24H2 update later this year.