How to Enable Hotpatch for Azure Edition Virtual Machines Built from ISO
Windows Server 2022 Datacenter: Azure Edition introduces a groundbreaking feature called Hotpatch, allowing users to install security updates without needing to reboot their virtual machines (VMs).
This is especially valuable for maintaining high availability and minimizing downtime. Hotpatch is compatible with both Desktop Experience and Server Core. In this article, we will walk through how to enable Hotpatch for Azure Edition virtual machines built from ISO.
Prerequisites
Before diving into the installation steps, ensure that you meet the following prerequisites:
1. Windows Server 2022 Datacenter: Azure Edition: This is only supported on Azure Edition.
2. Azure Subscription: You will need an active Azure subscription.
3.
Appropriate Roles and Permissions: Ensure you have the necessary permissions in Azure to create and manage virtual machines.
Steps to Enable Hotpatch
Step 1: Create an Azure VM from ISO
1. Download ISO: First, download the Windows Server 2022 Datacenter: Azure Edition ISO from the Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC) or a similar channel.
2. Upload ISO to Azure: Use Azure Storage to upload the ISO file. You can use tools like Azure Storage Explorer for a more intuitive experience.
3. Create VM:
– Go to the Azure portal.
– Navigate to “Virtual Machines” and click on “Add”.
– Follow the prompts to create a VM, ensuring to select “Windows Server 2022 Datacenter: Azure Edition” from the uploaded ISO as the source.
Step 2: Enable Hotpatch
Once the VM is set up, you can enable Hotpatch:
1. Update Management: Open the Azure portal and go to “Update Management” under “Azure Automation”.
2. Enable Hotpatch:
– Select your VM and click on “Enable Hotpatch”.
– Azure will configure the necessary settings to enable Hotpatch on your VM.
Step 3: Verify Hotpatch Configuration
After enabling Hotpatch, it’s crucial to ensure that it is correctly configured:
1. Login to VM: Log in to your newly created VM.
2. Check Hotpatch Status:
– Open PowerShell and run the following command:
“`powershell
Get-HotpatchStatus
“`
– This command will display the current status of Hotpatch on your VM.
Step 4: Apply Hotpatch Updates
Once Hotpatch is enabled, you can apply updates without rebooting:
1. Automatic Updates: Ensure that your VM is configured to receive updates automatically.
2. Manual Updates:
– Open PowerShell and run the command:
“`powershell
Install-Hotpatch
“`
– This will manually install available Hotpatch updates.
Benefits of Using Hotpatch
1. Minimized Downtime: Apply critical security updates without rebooting, maintaining high availability.
2. Enhanced Security: Regular updates ensure that your VMs are protected against the latest threats.
3. Operational Continuity: Ideal for environments where uptime is critical, such as production servers.
For more detailed information, you can refer to the Microsoft documentation on Hotpatch.
Enabling Hotpatch for Windows Server 2022 Datacenter: Azure Edition virtual machines built from ISO significantly enhances your system’s security and operational efficiency. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your VMs are always up-to-date with the latest security patches without the hassle of downtime.
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